SAD hriCidiool
LESSON
CHRIST-CENiEREd D
SENIOR DIVISION, NO ,"26,2, EcRIET 'WAIVER
*
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on mind
and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study
of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give
vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's
word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a
nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—
Steps to Christ,
page 9o.
"The more you search the Scriptures with humble hearts, the greater will
be your interest. . . . Every day you should learn something new from the
Scriptures."—Testimonies, vol. 5, page 266.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sab-
bath school lesson each day of the week.
Name
LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER
1.
Sound Doctrine
2.
Christ, the Son of God
3.
Christ Our Salvation
4.
Christ Our Righteousness
5.
The Law of God
6.
The Sabbath
7.
Obedience
8.
The New Birth
9.
Baptism
1o. The Second Coming of Jesus
u. Manner and Purpose of Christ's Coming
12.
Immortality Through Christ
13.
The Millennium
14.
The Home of the Saved
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 262, October-December, 1960. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents
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Copyright, 1960, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
CHRIST-CENTERED DOCTRINES
Lesson 1, for October 1, 1960
Sound Doctrine
MEMORY VERSE: "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine."
Titus 2:1.
STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapters 32, 33; "Gospel Workers," pages
311-315; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture refer-
ences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 15.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3;
Memory Verse.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6; read from
Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Read from Study Helps.
Wednesday: Questions 7-10.
Thursday: Questions 11-14; read
from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Importance of Sound Doctrine
1. It is needed. 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13 ; 4
4.
2.
There are false doctrines. Jer. 10:8;
1 Tim. 1:4, 9, 10 ; 6:3-5.
3. It is important. 1 Tim. 4:6, 13, 16;
Titus 1:9 ; 2 :1, 7, 10.
II. Necessity of Knowing the Doctrine
4.
A sound understanding. Isa. 28:9,
10; 2 Tim.2:15.
5. A willing mind. John 7:17.
6. A perception and avoidance of false
teachers. Rom. 16:17.
III. Tests of Sound Doctrine
7. It is based on the Bible. 2 Tim.
3:15, 16.
8. It does not misuse the Scriptures.
2 Peter 3:16; Matt. 4:6.
9. It magnifies and honors Christ.
1 John 2:22, 23 ; 2 John 7, 9.
10. It upholds the whole of Scripture.
Isa. 8:20.
IV. Contrasting Attitudes Toward
Sound Doctrine
11.
It may be opposed. 2 Tim. 4:3 ;
Acts 5:28; Jer. 6:16; Ezek. 33:31.
12.
It may be rejected. 2 Thess. 2:3-7.
13.
It may be obeyed. Rom. 6:17.
14.
It must be adhered to continually.
Acts 2:42 ; 1 Tim. 4:16.
Key Thought:
The word
doctrine
means, "That which is
taught; a principle, or body of priciples, in
any branch of knowledge; . . . principle of
faith."—Webster,
New Collegiate Diction-
ary.
A doctrine may be based on truth or
falsehood. Hence there are true or sound
doctrines, and untrue or false doctrines. In
order that the child of God be not led away
by false doctrines, he must have an adequate
understanding of true doctrines. As related
to salvation, all true and sound doctrines
are based on the Bible. To be effective,
sound doctrine must be understood and
obeyed.
f3
1
THE LESSON
The Importance of Sound Doctrine
1.
What condition in the last days
emphasizes the need of sound doc-
trine? 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13; 4:3, 4.
Nom.—The following comment is made
regarding 2 Timothy 4:3, 4: "The apostle
does not here refer to the openly irreligious,
but to the professing Christians who make
inclination their guide, and thus become en-
slaved by self. Such are willing to listen to
those doctrines only that do not rebuke their
sins or condemn their pleasure-loving course.
They are offended by the plain words of the
faithful servants of Christ and choose teach-
ers who praise and flatter them."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 504, 505.
2.
In contrast to sound doctrine,
what other kinds of doctrines are
there? Jer. 10:8; 1 Tim. 1:4, 9, 10;
6:3-5.
Nom.—These doctrines of vanity are
called by various names in the Bible:
"The doctrine of the Pharisees and of the
Sadducees." Matt. 16:12.
"Doctrines of men." Col. 2:22 ; Eph. 4:14.
"Doctrines of devils." 1 Tim. 4:1.
"Divers and strange doctrines." Heb. 13:9.
"Doctrine of Balaam," "doctrine of the
Nicolaitanes." Rev. 2 :14, 15.
"Those who are unwilling to accept the
plain, cutting truths of the Bible are con-
tinually seeking for pleasing fables that will
quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self-
denying, and humiliating the doctrines pre-
sented, the greater the favor with which
they are received. . . . Too wise in their
own conceit to search the Scriptures with
contrition of soul and earnest prayer for
divine guidance, they have no shield from
delusion."—The
Great Controversy,
page
523.
3.
In what words did the apostle
Paul set forth the importance of sound
doctrine? 1 Tim. 4:6, 13, 16; Titus
1:9; 2:1, 7, 10.
NOTE.
-"All
manner of false doctrines,
heresies, and satanic deceptions are mislead-
ing the minds of
men."—Testimonies, vol.
5,
p. 158.
Necessity of Knowing the Doctrine
4.
How are the doctrines of the Bi-
b1eto be learned? Isa. 28:9, 10; 2 Tim.
2:15.
5.
Before one can know the doc-
trine, what must he be willing to do?
John 7:17.
Nom.—Commenting on this text, the serv-
ant of the Lord says: "When we are truly
seeking to do God's will, the Holy Spirit
takes the precepts of His word and makes
them the principles of the life, writing them
on the tablets of the soul. And it is only
those who are following the light already
given that can hope to receive the further
illumination of the Spirit. This is plainly
stated in the words of Christ: 'If any man
will
do
His will, he shall know of the doc-
trine.'
"—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 705.
"Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible,
desiring to know the truth, that he may
obey it, will receive divine enlightenment.
He will understand the Scriptures."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 459.
6.
Against what will a knowledge
of sound doctrines be a safeguard?
Rom. 16:17.
Nom.—"The times [of the apostles] were
full of peril for the church. Satanic de-
lusions existed everywhere. By misrepre-
sentation and falsehood the emissaries of
Satan sought to arouse opposition against
the doctrines of Christ, and in consequence
dissensions and heresies were imperiling the
church. . . . John was filled with sadness
as he saw these poisonous errors creeping
into the church. He saw the dangers to which
the church was exposed, and he met the
emergency with promptness and decision."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 553, 554.
14]
SOUND DOCTRINE COMES FROM
A
SOUND SOURCE.
Tests of Sound Doctrine
7.
Upon what knowledge is Chris-
tian doctrine based? 2 Tim. 3:15, 16.
NOTE.—The Bible is the test of all doc-
trine. Whatever does not harmonize and
square with this, is not to be received. "There
is but one standard of the everlastingly right
and the everlastingly wrong, and that is the
Bible."—Thomas de Witt Talmage, quoted
in
Bible Readings for the Home,
page 125.
Speaking of Luther's separation from
Rome, the messenger of God wrote: "He
firmly declared that Christians should re-
ceive no other doctrines than those which
rest on the authority of the Sacred Scrip-
tures."—The
Great Controversy,
page 126.
8.
Against what misuse of the
Scriptures must we be constantly on
guard? 2 Peter 3:16; Matt. 4:6.
NOTE.—"In order to sustain erroneous
doctrines or unchristian practices, some will
seize upon passages of Scripture separated
from the context, perhaps quoting half of a
single verse as proving their point, when
the remaining portion would show the mean-
ing to be quite the opposite. With the cun-
ning of the serpent they entrench themselves
behind disconnected utterances construed to
suit their carnal desires. Thus do many will-
fully pervert the word of God. Others, who
have an active imagination, seize upon
the figures and symbols of Holy Writ, in-
terpret them to suit their fancy, with little
regard to the testimony of Scripture as its
own interpreter, and then they present their
vagaries as the teachings of the Bible."—
The Great Controversy,
page 521.
9.
To what other test should doc-
trines be submitted? 1 John
2:22, 23;
2 John 7, 9. Compare Luke 24:25-27.
NorE.—"Every true doctrine makes Christ
the center, every precept receives force from
His
words."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 54.
"Another dangerous error is the doctrine
that denies the deity of Christ, claiming that
He had no existence before His advent to
this world. This theory is received with
favor by a large class who profess to believe
the Bible; yet it directly contradicts the
plainest statements of our Saviour concern-
ing His relationship with the Father, His
divine character, and His pre-existence."—
The Great Controversy,
page 524.
10.
By what final standard should
all doctrine be judged? Isa. 8:20.
Nora.—
"
All
points of doctrine, even
though they have been accepted as truth,
should be brought to the law and to the
testimony; if they cannot stand this test,
`there is no light in them.'
"—Testimonies,
vol.
5, p. 575.
Contrasting Attitudes Toward
Sound Doctrine
11.
In what ways does opposition
to sound doctrine manifest itself?
2 Tim. 4:3; Acts 5:28; Jer. 6:16; Ezek.
33:31.
12.
After the death of the apostles,
what far-reaching results did the re-
jection of sound doctrine bring about?
2 Thess. 2:3-7.
5
NOTE.-The
great apostasy, the substitu-
tion of the doctrines of men for the doctrine
of Christ, was the result of disobedience to
the teaching of the word of God. We read:
"The truths of the Bible have again become
obscured by custom, tradition, and false doc-
trine. The erroneous',teachings of popular
theology have made thousands upon thou-
sands of skeptics and infidels. There are
errors and inconsistencies which many de-
nounce as the teaching of the Bible that are
really false intrepretations of Scripture,
adopted during the ages of papal darkness."
-Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 710.
13. What has been the attitude of
God's children to His will as revealed
in the doctrines of the Bible? Rom.
6:17. Compare Acts 26:19.
NoTE.-"God has commanded nothing
that is unessential, and there is no other way
of manifesting reverence so pleasing to Him
as obedience to that which He has spoken."
-Education,
page 244.
14.
*
Aside from the acceptance of
sound doctrine, what else is essential?
Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:16. Compare Heb.
10:23, 35.
Lesson 2, for October 8, 1960
Christ, the Son of God
MEMORY VERSE:
"Thou
art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matt. 16:16.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 19-49; "The Great Controversy," pages
666-669 (large subscription ed., pp. 656-659); "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and
Herald" of September 22.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-4;
Memory Verse.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7; read from
Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read from
Study Helps.
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
0
Lesson Outline:
I. His Sonship Proclaimed
1.
By an angel. Luke 1:35.
2.
By the Father. Matt. 3:17.
3.
By Christ Himself. John 10:36.
4.
By Peter. Matt. 16:14-16.
II. Evidence of His Divine Sonship
5.
His pre-existence. Micah 5:2 ;
1 Cor. 10:4.
6.
His eternity. John 17:5.
7.
His unity with the Father.
John
10:30.
8.
His fullness. Col. 2:9.
9.
His creative power. Col.
1:15
-
17;
Heb. 1:1, 2.
10.
His redemptive power. Luke 2:11 ;
Matt. 1:21.
III. The Son of God Becomes the
Son of Man
11.
The promise of Immanuel. Isa. 7:14.
12.
The time of the Incarnation.
Gal. 4:4, 5.
13.
The Son of man. Luke 19:10;
John 3:14.
14.
The purpose of the Incarnation.
Heb. 2 : 14-18.
63
Key Thought:
" 'Immanuel, . . . God with us.' The
light of the knowledge of the glory of God'
is seen 'in the face of Jesus Christ.' From the
days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was
one with the Father ; He was 'the image of
God,'- the image of His greatness and maj-
esty, 'the outshining of His glory.' It was to
manifest this glory that He came to our
world. To this sin-darkened earth He came
to reveal the light of God's love,—to be 'God
with us.' Therefore it was prophesied of
Him, 'His name shall be called Immanuel.' "
—The Desire of Ages,
page 19.
THE LESSON
His Sonship Proclaimed
1.
In the angel's announcement to
Mary, what did he say her Child
should be called? Luke 1:35.
2.
What testimony did the Father
give at the time of the baptism of the
Saviour? Matt. 3:17.
NOTE.—"These words of confirmation
were given to inspire faith in those who
witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the
Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding
that the sins of a guilty world were laid
upon Christ, notwithstanding the humilia-
tion of taking upon Himself our fallen na-
ture, the voice from heaven declared Him
to be the Son of the Eternal."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 112.
3.
What did Jesus claim concern-
ing His divine sonship? John 10:36.
NOTE.—"Christ came to . . . reveal our
heavenly Father to sinful human beings.
. . . He shared the lot of men, and yet He
was the blameless Son of
God."—Testimo-
nies,
vol. 8, p. 286.
4.
In what words did Peter express
the disciples' conviction concerning
the deity of Christ? Matt. 16:14-16.
Evidence of His Divine Sonship
5.
What does the Bible teach con-
cerning the pre-existence of Christ?
Micah 5:2; 1 Cor. 10:4.
NoTE.—"When He came 'in the likeness
of men,' He declared Himself the I AM.
The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and lowly
Saviour, is God 'manifest in the flesh.' 1 Tim.
3 :16... . . 'God with us' is the surety of our
deliverance from sin, the assurance of our
power to obey the law of heaven."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 24, 25.
6.
What words in the prayer of
Christ reveal the eternity of His be-
ing? John 17:5.
NoTE.—"There are light and glory in the
truth that Christ was one with the Father
before the foundation of the world was laid.
This is the light shining in a dark place, mak-
ing it resplendent with divine, original glory.
This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself,
explains other mysterious and otherwise un-
explainable truths, while it is enshrined in
light, unapproachable and incomprehen-
sible."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 248.
7.
In what words did Christ ex-
press His unity with the Father? John
10:30. Compare John 14:7-10.
8.
What was Paul inspired to write
concerning the divinity of Christ?
Col. 2:9.
NOTE.—"The fullness of the Godhead."
It is good to know that the Christ whom we
serve, who took upon Himself our flesh and
blood, is also divine. "Behold, then, the won-
derful conjunction of both natures in the
one Immanuel, who was by His very con-
stitution an actual temple, 'God with us,'
[7
7
the habitation of the Deity—returned and
resettling itself with men; and fitted to be
what it must also be, a most acceptable
sacrifice. For here was met together man
that could die, and God that could overcome
death."—Howe,
Living Temple,
part 2,
quoted in
Life in Christ,
by Edward White,
page 238.
9.
In what act were the divine Fa-
ther and Son associated? Col. 1:15-17;
Heb. 1:1, 2.
NorE.—Evidence for Christ's coexistence
with the Father is seen in the act of creation.
The Father said: "Let Us make man in Our
image, after Our likeness." Gen. 1:26. The
words
us
and
our
are very significant—in-
dicating coexistence, co-operation, co-work-
ers together in a grand purpose of creating
man "in Our image." The first chapter in the
Bible reveals the deity of the Son and His
place as a Person of the Godhead.
10.
What announcements regard-
ing the birth of Jesus give evidence
that He is the divine Son of God?
Luke 2:11; Matt. 1:21.
NoTE.—"Jesus died, not to save man
in
his sins, but
from
his sins. Man is to leave
the error of his ways, to follow the example
of Christ, to take up his cross and follow
Him, denying self, and obeying God at any
cost."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 251.
The Son of God Becomes the
Son of Man
11.
What prophecy foretold the In-
carnation of the Son of God? Isa.
7:14. Compare Matt. 1:23.
12.
When and how was this proph-
ecy fulfilled, and for what purpose?
Gal. 4:4, 5.
NoTE.—" 'When the fullness of the time
was come, God sent forth His Son.' Provi-
dence had directed the movements of na-
tions, and the tide of human impulse and
influence, until the world was ripe for the
coming of the Deliverer. . . . In 'the region
and shadow of death,' men sat unsolaced.
With longing eyes they looked for the com-
ing of the Deliverer."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 32, 33.
13.
By what name did Jesus often
refer to Himself? Luke 19:10; John
3:14.
14.
What was made possible
through Christ's life in human flesh?
Heb. 2:14-18.
NorE.—Through the life of Christ in hu-
man flesh, His death and subsequent resur-
rection, reconciliation between man and God
was brought about. Christ died in order that
He might abolish death. Rev. 1:18. The
resurrection of Jesus made possible the res-
urrection of the dead. 1 Cor. 15:12-16.
"In taking our nature, the Saviour has
bound Himself to humanity by a tie that
is never to be broken. Through the eternal
ages He is linked with us. 'God so loved the
world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.'
John 3:16. He gave Him not only to bear
our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave
Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His
immutable counsel of peace, God gave His
only-begotten Son to become one of the
human family, forever to retain His human
nature."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 25.
C
8]
Lesson 3, for October 15, 1960
Christ Our Salvation
MEMORY VERSE:
"For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket ed., pp. 14, 15 (1908 ed., pp.
15-18); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture refer-
ences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 29.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 6-8.
❑
Sunday: Key Words; Questions 1-3;
Wednesday: Questions 9-12.
0
Memory Verse.
❑
Thursday: Questions 13, 14; read
Monday: Questions
4,
5; read from
Study Helps.
Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Concerning Our Salvation
1.
Its cost to Jesus. 1 Peter 1:18, 19;
1 Cor. 6:20.
2.
Results of its neglect. Heb. 2:2, 3;
10:28, 29.
3.
Its inestimable value. Matt. 16:26.
II. All Heaven Interested in
Our Welfare
4,5. God; Jesus; Holy Spirit; angels.
Ezek. 33:11; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4;
•
Rom. 8:26; Heb. 1:14.
III. The Need of Salvation
6, 7. All men need salvation. Rom. 3:23 ;
5:12; Jer. 17:9.
8. All men are helpless to save them-
selves. Jer. 13:23.
IV. Salvation Provided
9.
Through Christ alone. Matt. 1:21;
Acts 4:12.
10.
Through His Creatorship. Isa. 43:1;
Eph. 2:10.
11.
Through His divinity, humanity, and
sinlessness. Heb. 1:8; Matt. 1:23;
1 Peter 2:22.
12.
Through His intercession, deliver-
ance, and blotting out of sins.
Heb. 7:25; John 8:36; Isa. 1:18.
V. Personal Salvation
13.
Individual acceptance. Rev. 3:20;
22:17.
14.
Individual rejection. Jer. 8:20;
Rev. 6:14-17.
Key Words:
1.
Jesus.
The name
Jesus
was given to
the Lord by command of God, who made
known His will to Joseph in this matter
through an angel. Matt. 1:21. The reason
for this choice was also stated: "For He
shall save His people from their sins." This
is precisely what the name
Jesus
means. It
comes to us from the Hebrew through the
Greek. The Hebrew equivalent is
Joshua.
This Hebrew name is a compound one based
on the verb,
to save, to deliver, to set free,
and a shortened form of the name
Jehovah
in
the Hebrew.
Joshua's name, originally, was Hoshea,
meaning
salvation, deliverance.
It was after-
ward changed to Jehoshua, or Joshua.
Isaiah
is another form of writingtthe same
compound name, meaning in that case
the
salvation of Jehovah.
2.
Salvation.
"Salvation is a free gift,
and yet it is to be bought and sold. . .
The poorest are as well able as the richest to
purchase salvation; for no amount of
worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained
by willing obedience, by giving ourselves to
Christ as His own purchased possession."-
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 116, 117.
[
9
]
THE LESSON
Concerning Our Salvation
1.
Although salvation is a free gift,
what did it cost the Son of God?
1 Peter 1:18, 19; 1 Cor. 6:20. Compare
Isa. 55:1.
2.
What will be the consequences
"if we neglect so great salvation"?
Heb. 2:2, 3; 10:28, 29.
NoTE.—"Because sinners will not accept
of the salvation freely offered them, are they
released from their obligations? Their choos-
ing to remain in sin and bold transgression
does not lessen their guilt. Jesus paid a price
for them, and they belong to Him. They are
His property; and if they will not yield
obedience to Him who has given His life for
them, but devote their time and strength
and talents to the service of Satan, they are
earning their wages, which is
death."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 3, p. 365.
3.
How does the worth of salva-
tion compare with the riches of the
world? Matt. 16:26.
NOTE.—"In view of the glorious inherit*
ance that may be his, 'what shall a man give
in exchange for his soul?' Matthew 16:26.
He may be poor, yet he possesses in himself
a wealth and dignity that the world could
never bestow."—Steps
to Christ,
page 126.
All Heaven Interested in Our
Welfare
4.
What is God's desire for the hu-
man family? Ezek. 33:11. See also
1 Tim. 2:3, 4; 2 Peter 3:9.
5.
To what extent is heaven inter-
ested in our salvation? John 3:16;
Gal. 1:4; Rom. 8:26; Heb. 1:14.
NoTE.—"I saw that all heaven is inter-
ested in our salvation; and shall we be in-
different? Shall we be careless, as though it
were a small matter whether we are saved or
lost? Shall we slight the sacrifice that has
been made for us? . . . God's Spirit will
not always be grieved. It will depart if
grieved a little longer. After all has been
done that God could do to save men, if they
show by their lives that they slight Jesus'
offered mercy, death will be their portion,
and it will be dearly purchased."—Testi-
monies, vol.
1, p. 124.
The Need of Salvation
6.
Why does man need salvation?
Rom. 3:23; 5:12. Compare Ps. 38:4.
7.
What is the true condition of the
natural heart? Jer. 17:9.
NorE.—"Men do not know their own
hearts; for 'the heart is deceitful above all
things, and desperately wicked.' Jeremiah
17:9. But God understands the tendencies
of the depraved nature of man. . . . The
adversary of souls is ever on the alert to
open channels for the unrestrained flow of
evil in us; for he desires that we may be
ruined, and be condemned before God."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 688.
8.
By what illustration does the
prophet Jeremiah teach man's inabil-
ity to save himself? Jer. 13:23.
NoTE.—"If you see your sinfulness, do not
wait to make yourself better. How many
there are who think they are not good
enough to come to Christ. Do you expect
to become better through your own efforts?
'Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the
leopard his spots? then may ye also do good,
that are accustomed to do evil.' Jeremiah
13:23. There is help for us only in God. We
must not wait for stronger persuasions, for
better opportunities, or for holier tempers.
We can do nothing of ourselves. We must
come to Christ just as we
are."—Steps to
Christ,
page 31.
1
10]
Salvation Provided
9.
How and through whom alone
has salvation been made possible?
Matt. 1:21; Acts 4:12.
NOTE.—"None but the Son of God could
accomplish our redemption; for only He
who was in the bosom of the Father could
declare Him. Only He who knew the height
and depth of the love of God could make it
manifest. Nothing less than the infinite
sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen
man could express the Father's love to lost
humanity."—Steps
to Christ,
page 14.
"The price of heaven is Jesus. The way to
heaven is through faith in 'the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sin of the world.'
John
1:29."—The Desire of Ages,
page 385.
"Salvation is a substitutionary thing. It
is won for sinful men by Another becoming
their substitute. In the substitutionary death
of Christ on the cross He died for the sins
of the world."—Charles G. Trumbull,
What
Is the Gospel?
pages 37, 38.
10.
With what is the power of re-
demption associated? Isa. 43:1; Eph.
2:10.
NOTE.—Only He who created man has
power to redeem him. His creative power
and His power to save are linked together
in many scriptures. It is the creative power
which transforms the life and makes a new
creature out of it. That is what Paul meant
when he said: "Therefore if any man be in
Christ, he is a new creature" (or creation).
2 Cor. 5:17.
11.
What three essentials for salva-
tion are found in Christ? Heb. 1:8;
Matt. 1:23; 1 Peter 2:22.
NoTE.—This world has produced many
great men, men of power and influence; but
in Christ, and only in Him, do we find the
essentials that make a Saviour. These are
His divinity, His humanity, and His sinless
life.
12.
What assurance do we have of
full and complete salvation? Heb.
7:25; John 8:36; Isa. 1:18.
NoTE.—God, who wants man restored in
His image, freely offers him full salvation.
He promises to save to the uttermost—that
means completely. "If you give yourself to
Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then,
sinful as your life may have been, for His
sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's
character stands in place of your character,
and you are accepted before God just as
if you had not sinned."—Steps
to Christ,
page 62.
"The chain that has been let down from
the throne of God is long enough to reach
to the lowest depths. Christ is able to lift
the most sinful out of the pit of degradation,
and to place them where they will be ac-
knowledged as children of God, heirs with
Christ to an immortal inheritance."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 7, p. 229.
Personal Salvation
13.
Although salvation is a free gift
from God, what must we do to be
saved? Rev. 3:20; 22:17. Compare
Ezek. 14:20.
14.
What sad words will be uttered
[ 113
by those who have rejected salvation?
Jer. 8:20; Rev. 6:14-17.
Nora.—"At the day of judgment there
comes to the lost a full realization of the
meaning of the sacrifice made on Calvary.
They see what they had lost by refusing to
be loyal. They think of the high, pure as-
sociation it was their privilege to gain. But
it is too late. The last call has been made.
The wail is heard: 'The harvest is past, the
summer is ended, and we are not saved.'
Jeremiah
8:20."—Testimonies,
vol. 7,
p.
16.
Lesson 4, for October 22, 1960
Christ Our Righteousness
MEMORY VERSE:
"And this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord our
Righteousness." Jer. 23:6.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket ed., pp. 61-65 (1908 ed., pp.
66-70); "Christ's Object Lessons," first 5 pages of chapter "Without a Wedding
Garment;" "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture ref-
erences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 29.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Sabbath afternoon:
Sunday: Key Word;
Memory Verse
Monday: Questions
Study Helps.
Check Here
General survey.
❑
Questions 1-3;
4-6; read from
0
Check Here
Tuesday: Read Study Helps.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 7-11.
❑
Thursday: Questions 12-14; read
from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. A
Timely Message
1.
Man has no righteousness. Rom.
3:10; Prov. 21:21.
2.
Christ is called "our Righteousness."
Jer. 23:6.
3.
Christ was "made unto us . . .
righteousness." 1 Cor. 1:30.
II. Innocence Lost
4.
Man's disobedience. Gen. 3:1-10.
5.
Man's sin. Isa. 59:1, 2; 1 John 3:4.
6.
Man's consequent condition.
Isa. 64:6.
III. The Way to Righteousness
7. Our own strength unavailing.
John 15:5; Jer. 13:23.
•
8.
Our own works worthless. Rom.
9:31, 32; Eph. 2:9; Gal. 2:16.
9.
Our living faith in Christ avails.
Gal. 2:16; Rom. 5:1.
10.
Our overcoming the world by faith
gives victory. 1 John 5:4.
11.
Our walking "after the Spirit" brings
justification. Rom. 8:1.
IV. Christ's Righteousness Fits Us
for Translation
12. It brings us into harmony with
God's law:
,
Ps. 119:14-2 ; Rom.
8:
•
4; 3:21:
..
• •
13:'•It enables tis to attain Perfection.
Matt. 5:48; 1 John 3:2:
14. It gives purity of heart in God's
sight. Ps. 24:3, 4; Matt. 5:8.
[12
3
Key Word:
Righteousness.
"The righteousness of
Christ consists in right actions and good
works from pure, unselfish motives. Outside
righteousness, while the inward adorning is
wanting, will be of no
avail."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 528.
"By the wedding garment in the parable
is represented the pure, spotless character
which Christ's true followers will possess. To
the church it is given 'that she should be
arrayed in fine linen, clean and white,' not
having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.'
Rev. 19:8. The fine linen, says the Scripture,
`is the righteousness of saints.' Eph. 5:27. It
is the righteousness of Christ, His own un-
blemished character, that through faith is
imparted to all who receive Him as their
personal
Saviour."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 310.
THE LESSON
A Timely Message
1.
Why is the message of Christ
our righteousness so important now?
Rom. 3:10; Prov. 21:21.
NOTE.—"The people must be instructed
that Christ is unto them salvation and right-
eousness. It is Satan's studied purpose to
keep souls from believing in Christ as their
only hope; for the blood of Christ that
cleanseth from all sin is efficacious in behalf
of those only who believe in its merit, and
who present it before the Father as did Abel
in his off
ering."—Gospel Workers,
page 162.
"The message of Christ's righteousness is
to sound from one end of the earth to the
other to prepare the way of the Lord. This
is the glory of God, which closes the work
of the third
angel."—Testimonies,
vol. 6,
p. 19.
2.
What name is given to the Lord
by the prophet Jeremiah? Jer. 23:6.
3.
What four things has Christ
been made for us?• 1 Cor. 1:30.
NOTE.—"The righteousness of Christ, as a
pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain.
No work of man can improve the great and
precious gift of God. It is without a flaw.
In Christ are 'hid all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge.' Col. 2:3. He is 'made unto
us wisdom, and righteousness, and sancti-
fication, and redemption.' 1 Cor. 1:30. All
that can satisfy the needs and longings of
the human soul, for this world and for the
world to come, is found in
Christ."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 115.
Innocence Lost
4.
What caused our first parents to
lose their original innocence? Gen.
3:1-10. Compare Rev. 3:5.
NoTE.—"The white robe of innocence was
worn by our first parents when they were
placed by God in holy Eden. They lived in
perfect conformity to the will of God. All
the strength of their affections was given to
their heavenly Father. A beautiful soft light,
the light of God, enshrouded the holy pair.
This robe of light was a symbol of their
spiritual garments of heavenly innocence.
Had they remained true to God it would
ever have continued to enshroud them. But
when sin entered, they severed their con-
nection with God, and the light that had en-
circled them departed. Naked and ashamed,
they tried to supply the place of the heavenly
garments by sewing together fig leaves for
a
covering."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages
310, 311.
5.
What is the cause of our separa-
tion from God? Isa. 59:1, 2; 1 John
3:4. Compare Prov. 2 8:9.
6.
With what does the prophet
Isaiah compare our own righteous-
ness? Isa. 64:6. Compare Zech. 3:1-4.
[ 13 ]
The Way to Righteousness
7.
Why is it impossible for man in
his own strength to obtain righteous-
ness? John 15:5; Jer. 13:23.
NorE.—If man could become righteous
through his own strength, then the death of
Jesus was not necessary. "It was possible for
Adam, before the Fall, to form a righteous
character by obedience to God's law. But he
failed to do this, and because of his sin our
natures are fallen and we cannot make our-
selves righteous. Since we are sinful, unholy,
we cannot perfectly obey the holy law. We
have no righteousness of our own with which
to meet the claims of the law of God."—
Steps to Christ,
page 62.
8.
What does God's word teach
concerning the effort to obtain right-
eousness through our own works or
the works of the law? Rom. 9:31, 32;
Eph. 2:9; Gal. 2:16, first part.
NoTE.—"Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou
alone."
—Augustus M. Toplady.
9.
How only can we hope to obtain
righteousness? Gal. 2:16; Rom. 5:1.
Compare James 2:17-19.
NoTE.—"If we are faithful in doing our
part, in co-operating with Him, God will
work through us [to do] the good pleasure
of His will. But He cannot work through
us if we make no effort. If we gain eternal
life, we must work, and work earnestly.
. . . Let us not be deceived by the oft-re-
peated assertion, 'All you have to do is to
believe.' Faith and works are two oars which
we must use equally if we [would] press
our way up the stream against the current
of unbelief. 'Faith, if it bath not works, is
dead, being alone.' The Christian is a man of
thought and practice."—Welf
are Ministry,
pages 315, 316.
10.
Before one can be said to be
clothed with the righteousness of
Christ, over how much must he ob-
tain victory? 1 John 5:4.
NoTE.—He must have victory over every
known sin. Since man lost the robe of
righteousness through sin, it is logical to
believe that the robe of righteousness is re-
gained by forsaking sin and by accepting
the One who has been made unto us right-
eousness ; for, "while God can be just, and
yet justify the sinner through the merits of
Christ, no man can cover his soul with the
garments of Christ's righteousness while
practicing known sins, or neglecting known
duties. God requires the entire surrender of
the heart, before justification can take place;
and in order for man to retain justification,
there must be continual obedience, through
active, living faith that works by love and
purifies the
soul."—Selected Messages,
bk. 1,
p. 366.
11.
How does Heaven look upon
the one who is clothed with the right-
eousness of Christ? Rom. 8:1.
NoTE.—"Christ has made a way of escape
for us. He lived on earth amid trials and
temptations such as we have to meet. He
[ 14 ]
lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now
He offers to take our sins and give us His
righteousness. If you give yourself to Him,
and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sin-
ful as your life may have been, for His
sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's
character stands in place of your character,
and you are accepted before God just as
if you had not
sinned."—Steps to Christ,
page 62.
Christ's Righteousness Fits Us for
Translation
12.
How is the righteousness of
Christ manifested in the individual?
Ps. 119:142; Rom. 8:4; 3:21.
NoTE.—"Righteousness is holiness, like-
ness to God, and 'God is love.' 1 John 4:16.
It is conformity to the law of God. . . .
Righteousness is love, and love is the light
and the life of
God."—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
page 18.
"He who becomes a partaker of the divine
nature will be in harmony with God's great
standard of righteousness, His holy law."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 314.
13.
What should be the goal of
every child of God? Matt. 5:48; 1
John 3:2.
NoTE.—"God requires perfection of His
children. His law is a transcript of His own
character, and it is the standard of all char-
acter. This infinite standard is presented to
all that there may be no mistake in regard to
the kind of people whom God will have to
compose His kingdom. The life of Christ
on earth was a perfect expression of God's
law, and when those who claim to be chil-
dren of God become Christlike in character,
they will be obedient to God's command-
ments. Then the Lord can trust them to be
of the number who shall compose the family
of heaven. Clothed in the glorious'apparel of
Christ's righteousness, they have a place
at the King's feast. They have a right to
join the blood-washed
throng."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 315.
14.
What will fit us to see the glory
of God? Ps. 24:3, 4; Matt. 5:8.
NoTE.—"Only those who are clothed in
the garments of His righteousness will be
able to endure the glory of His presence
when He shall appear with 'power and
great glory.'
"—Sons and Daughters of God,
page 368.
"The righteousness by which we are jus-
tified is imputed; the righteousness by which
we are sanctified is imparted. The first is
our title to heaven, the second is our fitness
for
heaven."—Messages to Young People,
page 35.
Lesson 5, for October 29, 1960
The Law of God
MEMORY VERSE: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out
of Thy law." Ps. 119:18.
STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 27; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and
Herald" of October 13.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
from Study Helps.
0
Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-5.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Monday: Questions 6-8; read from
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read
[
16
Lesson Outline:
I. Purpose of the Law
1.
To reveal the things of God.
Ps. 119:18.
•
2.
To outline God's plan for man.
Eccl. 12:13 ; Matt. 22:35-40.
3.
To bring peace and tranquillity.
Ps. 119:165; Isa. 48:18.
4.
To expose wrongdoing. 1 John 3:4;
5:17.
5.
To show the love of God among
men. John 13:34; 15:10.
II. The Law a Revelation of God's
Character
6.
It is holy, just, good. Rom. 7:12 ;
Lev. 11:44; Isa. 45:21; Nahum 1:7.
7.
It is perfect. Ps. 19:7; Matt. 5:48.
8.
It is unchangeable. Mal. 3:6;
Ps. 111:7, 8; Matt. 5:17, 18.
III. The Attempt to Change the Law
9.
Prophesied. Dan. 7:25.
10.
Unchanged after the crucifixion.
Rom. 3:31; 7:12, 14; James 2:10;
Rev. 14:12 ; 22:14.
IV. The Law Is God's Standard
in Judgment
11.
God judges in righteousness.
Ps. 67:4; Acts 17:31.
12.
The law is the standard of righteous-
ness. Ps. 119:172.
13.
Men are judged by the law.
James 2:8-12.
14.
The example of Christ.
John 15:10; Isa. 42:21; Ps. 40:8.
Key Thought:
"The law was not spoken at this time ex-
clusively for the benefit of the Hebrews.
God honored them by making them the
guardians and keepers of His law, but it
was to be held as a sacred trust for the
whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue
are adapted to all mankind, and they were
given for the instruction and government
of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive,
and authoritative, cover the duty of man to
God and to his fellow man; and all based
upon the great fundamental 'principle of
love. 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy strength, and with all thy
mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.' Luke
10:27. . . . In the Ten Commandments
these principles are carried out in detail,
and made applicable to the condition and
circumstances of
man."-Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 305.
THE LESSON
Purpose of the Law
1. As the psalmist contemplated the
law of God, what prayer did he offer
for enlightenment? Ps. 119:18.
NOTE.-The words "Open Thou mine
eyes" are a request; they express a heart
desire. The psalmist was not blind physi-
cally; he prayed for spiritual eyesight that
he might see the beauty, the wondrous
things in the law. Before one can under-
stand the purpose of the law, he must have
spiritual eyesight. Blind Helen Keller, shortly
before her sixtieth birthday, expressed pity
for the real unseeing-those who have eyes
yet do not see.
2.
What is man's full duty, and
where is it 'revealed? Eccl. 12:13;
Matt. 22:35-40.
NoTE.-The Ten Commandments were
written on two tables of stone. The first
four commandments reveal our duty to God;
the last six our duty to our fellow men. The
keeping of the commandments is based upon
love-love to God and love to our fellow
men. Where love rules supreme, there trans-
gression of the law is not found.
3.
What is experienced by those
who obey the law of God? Ps.
119:165; Isa. 48:18. Compare 1 Cor.
14:33.
[ 16 ]
s
oAlEOUs,v
4
.
00
NOTE.—"Men
cannot manufacture peace.
Human plans for the purification and uplift-
ing of individuals or of society will fail of
producing peace, because they do not reach
the heart. The only power that can create
or perpetuate true peace is the grace of
Christ. When this is implanted in the heart,
it will cast out the evil passions that cause
strife and dissension."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 305.
4.
How does the word of God de-
fine sin? 1 John 3:4; 5:17. Compare
Rom. 3:20; 4:15; 7:7.
NoTE.—"The first step in reconciliation to
God is the conviction of sin. 'Sin is the trans-
gression of the law."By the law is the knowl-
edge of sin.' 1 John 3:4; Rom. 3:20. In
order to see his guilt, the sinner must test
his character by God's great standard of
righteousness. It is a mirror which shows
the perfection of a righteous character and
enables him to discern the defects in his
own. The law reveals to man his sins, but
it provides no remedy. While it promises
life to the obedient, it declares that death is
the portion of the transgressor. The gospel
of Christ alone can free him from the con-
demnation or the defilment of
sin."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 467, 468.
5.
What is the new commandment,
and what is its relation to the law of
God? John 13:34; 15:10. See also
Deut. 6:4, 5.
NOTE.—The new commandment did not
replace the Ten Commandment law. It sup-
ports the perpetuity of the law of God. Je-
sus said: "If ye keep My commandments
[not
commandment1,
ye shall abide in My
love." His love is expressed in the new com-
mandment: "As I have loved you." If we
love as He loved, we will do what He says,
namely: "If ye love Me, keep My command-
ments." John 14:15.
The Law a Revelation of God's
Character
6.
What three characteristics of the
law, mentioned by Paul, are also
WOULD YOU WANT THE TRAIL MARKERS MOVED?
4060-
characteristics of God? Rom. 7:12;
Lev. 11:44; Isa. 45:21; Nahum 1:7.
NoTE.—"The law of God is as sacred as
God Himself. It is a revelation of His _will,
a transcript of His character, the expression
of divine love and
wisdom."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 52.
7.
What other characteristic of God
is revealed through His law? Ps. 19:7;
Matt. 5:48.
NoTE.—" The law of the Lord is perfect,
converting the soul.' Psalm 19:7. Without
the law, men have no just conception of the
purity and holiness of God or of their own
guilt and uncleanness. They have no true
conviction of sin and feel no need of re-
pentance."—The
Great Controversy,
page
468.
Speaking of the perfection of the law, C.
H. Spurgeon said: "Its
perfection
is a proof
of its divinity. No human lawgiver _could
have given forth such a law as that which
we find in the Decalogue. It is a perfect law ;
for all human laws that are right are. to ,be
found in that brief compendium and epit-
ome of all that is good and excellent toward
God, or between man and
man."—Sermons,
vol. 2, p. 280.
17
8. What is said of the unchange-
ableness of God and His law? Mal.
3:6; Ps. 111:7, 8; Matt. 5:17, 18.
NoTE.—"The law of God, from its very
nature, is unchangeable. It is a revelation
of the will and the character of its Author."
—The Great Controversy,
page 467.
John Wesley wrote: "The moral law, con-
tained in the Ten Commandments, and en-
forced by the prophets, He did not take
away. It was not the design of His coming
to revoke any part of this. . . . Every part
of this law must remain in force upon all
mankind, and in all ages; as not depending
either on time or place, or any other cir-
cumstances liable to change, but on the na-
ture of God, and the nature of man, and their
unchangeable relation to each other."—
"Upon Our Lord's Sermon on the Mount,"
Discourse 5, in
Works, vol.
5, pp. 311, 312.
The Attempt to Change the Law
9. What does Daniel the prophet say
concerning the attempt to change the
law of God? Dan. 7:25.
NoTE.—This prophecy has been fulfilled.
In Peter Geiermann's
Convert's Catechism
of Catholic Doctrine,
page 50, we read:
"Q.
Which is the Sabbath day?
"A. Saturday is the Sabbath day.
"Q.
Why do we observe Sunday instead
of Saturday?
"A. We observe Sunday instead of Sat-
urday because the Catholic Church, in the
Council of Laodicea (A.D. 336), transferred
the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday.
"Q.
Why did the Catholic Church substi-
tute Sunday for Saturday?
"A. The Church substituted Sunday for
Saturday, because Christ rose from the dead
on a Sunday, and the Holy Ghost descended
upon the Apostles on a Sunday.
"Q.
By what authority did the Church
substitute Sunday for Saturday?
"A. The Church substituted Sunday for
Saturday by the plenitude of that divine
power which Jesus Christ bestowed upon
her."
10. What statements support the
continuance of the law after the cru-
cifixion of Jesus? Rom. 3:31; 7:12, 14;
James 2:10; Rev. 14:12; 22:14.
The Law Is God's Standard in
Judgment
11.
How will God judge all peo-
ple? Ps. 67:4; Acts 17:31.
12.
What is God's standard of
righteousness? Ps. 119:172.
Nora.—"The law of God is the standard
by which the characters and the lives of
men will be tested in the judgment. Says
the wise man: 'Fear God, and keep His
commandments: for this is the whole duty of
man. For God shall bring every work into
judgment.' Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14. The
apostle James admonishes his brethren: 'So
speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be
judged by the law of liberty' James 2:12."
—The Great Controversy,
page 482.
13.
By what are men judged? James
2:8-12.
14.
What example of Jesus reveals
the attitude the Christian should
adopt toward God's law? John 15:10;
Isa. 42:21; Ps. 40:8.
Non.—"The claim that Christ by His
death abolished His Father's law is with-
out foundation. Had it been possible for
the law to be changed or set aside, then
Christ need not have died to save man from
the penalty of sin. The death of Christ,
so far from abolishing the law, proves that
it is immutable. The Son of God came to
`magnify the law, and make it honorable.'
Isaiah 42:21. . . . And concerning Himself
He declares: 'I delight to do Thy will, 0
My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.'
Psalm
49:82!—The Great Controversy,
page 466.
[ 18 3
Lesson 6, for November 5, 1960
The Sabbath
MEMORY VERSE: "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath."
Mark 2:27.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," chapter 29; "The Great Controversy," first
part of chapter 26; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scrip-
ture references; Lesson Help
in "Review
and Herald" of October 20.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0
Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-5. 0
Monday: Questions 6-8; Memory
Verse.
0
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read from
Check Here
Study Helps.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11,
12;
read
from Study Helps.
0
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline:
I.
The Sabbath
1.
Its divine origin. Gen. 2:1-3.
2.
It was blessed and sanctified as
God's rest day. Gen. 2:2, 3.
3.
It is a safeguard against evolution.
Ex. 20:8-11.
4.
It was the
seventh
day of creation.
Ex. 20:10, first part; Luke 23:54.
5.
It was made for man. Mark 2:27;
Isa. 56:2.
II. Christ and the Sabbath
6.
The Lord's day. Isa. 58:13;
Mark 2:28.
7.
The day He observed. Luke 4:16.
8.
The day observed after His resur-
rection. Matt. 24:15-20.
III. The Sabbath Taught in
the
New Testament
9. By the Gospel writers. Matt. 28:1;
Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:54-56;
John 19:31.
10. By the apostle Paul. Acts 13:14, 42,
44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4.
IV. The Sabbath in the New Earth
11.
Observance by all men. Isa. 66:23.
12.
Blessing for all men. Rev. 22:14.
Key
Thought:
"God designs that the Sabbath shall di-
rect the minds of men to the contemplation
of His created works. Nature speaks to their
senses, declaring that there is a living God,
the Creator, the Supreme Ruler of all. 'The
heavens declare the glory of God; and the
firmament showeth His handiwork. Day
unto day uttereth speech, and night unto
night showeth knowledge.' Psalm 19:1, 2.
The beauty that clothes the earth is a token
of God's love. We may behold it in the ever-
lasting hills, in the lofty trees, in the open-
ing buds and the delicate flowers. All speak
to us of God. The Sabbath, ever pointing
to Him who made them all, bids men open
the great book of nature and trace therein
the wisdom, the power, and the love of the
Creator."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 48.
THE LESSON
The Sabbath
1. When and by whom was the
Sabbath instituted? Gen. 2:1-3.
NoTE.-The Sabbath is the sign of God's
creative power. Through Sabbathkeeping
we are to remember Him as the true and
the living God, and as the Creator of all
things.
119
7
"The Sabbath institution, which originated
in Eden, is as old as the world itself. It was
observed by all the patriarchs, from crea-
tion
down."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
336.
"Like the Sabbath, the week originated at
creation, and it has been preserved and
brought down to us through Bible history."
—Ibid.,
p. 111.
2. By what three distinctive acts
was the Sabbath made? Gen. 2:2, 3.
NoTE.—In instituting the Sabbath the
Lord performed three acts. His first act on
the seventh day was to rest. Thus the Sab-
bath became God's rest day. The word
sab-
bath
means "rest." His second act was the
placing of His blessing upon the Sabbath.
Therefore it became His "blessed" rest day.
His third act was to sanctify the Sabbath.
Webster states that "sanctify" means "set
apart to a holy or religious use."
3. In what way is the Sabbath a
definite weapon against the teaching
of evolution? Ex. 20:8-11.
NorE.—The Sabbath commandment es-
tablishes three facts:
a.
The Creator, "the Lord made."
b.
Time in creation, "in six days."
c.
The things created, "heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that in them is."
4. According to the law, which day
is the true Sabbath? Ex. 20:10, first
part; Luke 23:54.
NorE.—The crucifixion of Jesus occurred
on the preparation day, the sixth day of the
week. The day that followed was the Sab-
bath. Since there are only seven days in the
week, the day which, follows the
sixth
must
be the Sabbath.
5. For whom was the Sabbath
made? Mark 2:27; Isa. 56:2.
NorE.—The name
Jew
is said to be de-
rived from the Aramaic form of the word
Judah,
applied originally to people in south-
ern Palestine, then to all the Israelites. The
Sabbath was instituted more than two thou-
sand years before there was a Jew; there-
fore it is not a Jewish Sabbath. It was the
Sabbath established by the Lord.
"The Sabbath was committed to Adam,
the father and representative of the whole
human family. Its observance was to be an
act of grateful acknowledgment, on the part
of all who should dwell upon the earth, that
God was their Creator and their rightful
Sovereign; that they were the work of His
hands and the subjects of His authority.
Thus the institution was wholly commemo-
rative, and given to all mankind. There was
nothing in it shadowy or of restricted ap-
plication to any
people."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 48.
Christ and the Sabbath
6.
By what name is the Sabbath des-
ignated? Isa. 58:13; Mark 2:28. Com-
pare Rev. 1:10.
NorE.—"The Lord's day is the seventh
day, the Sabbath of creation. On the day
that God sanctified and blessed, Christ
signified 'by His angel unto His servant
John' things which must come to pass be-
fore the close of the world's history, and He
means that we should become intelligent
with regard to
them."—Testimonies,
vol.
6, p. 128.
7.
In what did Christ set His fol-
lowers a noble example? Luke 4:16.
NorE.—It was our Saviour's "custom" to
attend divine service on the Sabbath. The
word
custom
implies continuous practice.
His day is not to be kept in a mechanical
way. We are to enjoy its holy hours and be
refreshed spiritually as we meditate upon
heavenly things. The Sabbath will be the
happiest day of the week when we follow in
the footsteps of our Master, including the
custom of attending divine service on "the
Sabbath day."
"God saw that a Sabbath was essential
for man, even in Paradise. He needed to
[20]
WILL YOU JOIN THESE MEN IN KEEPINS THE SABBATH?
ay aside his own interests and pursuits for
one day of the seven, that he might more
fully contemplate the works of God and
meditate upon His power and goodness.
He needed a Sabbath to remind him more
vividly of God, and to awaken gratitude be-
cause all that he enjoyed and possessed came
from the beneficent hand of the Creator."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 48.
8.
To what event did Jesus refer, in-
dicating that the Sabbath should be
kept after His ascension? Matt. 24:
15-20.
NOTE.—The flight of God's people took
place three and one half years before the
fall of Jerusalem,
A.D.
70. A flight in winter
would have meant extreme discomfort and
hardship, and an attempt to flee on the
Sabbath would have met with difficulties.
The Sabbath Taught in the
New Testament
9.
What reference is made to the
Sabbath following the crucifixion?
Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:54-
56; John 19:31.
Tape-recorded mission appeals for
available for offering promotion 'in
your Book and Bible House.
10.
How did Paul regard the com-
mandment to keep the Sabbath day?
Acts 13:14, 42, 44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4.
NOTE.—The
book of Acts was written
about thirty years after the resurrection of
Jesus. It contains the principal historical
facts regarding the apostolic Church. The
gospel religion taught in Acts exemplified the
faith of all the apostles. In it they express
their view of the teaching of Christ. Is it
not reasonable to believe that if Christ had
changed the Sabbath, or commanded that
the first day of the week be kept, the
apostles would have known about it and
would have taught it with the same force
as they taught baptism and the Lord's Sup-
per? But they are silent on this. Not a hint
is, given anywhere for Sundaykeeping.
The Sabbath in the New Earth
11.
What does the prophet Isaiah
say concerning Sabbathkeeping in the
earth made new? Isa. 66:23.
NoTE.—The redeemed who will inherit
the new earth have experienced the new
birth. They have been obedient to the com-
mandments of God, including the fourth.
In their restored Eden home they will keep
the same Sabbath that was instituted by
God during the creation week. The prophet
says: "And it shall come to pass, that from
one new moon to another, and from one
Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to
worship before Me, saith the Lord." Isa.
,66:23. Those who expect to share in the
blessing of Sabbathkeeping in the earth
made new will keep the Sabbath here. Our
relation' to the Sabbath must be such that
we shall "call the Sabbath a delight, the
holy of the Lord, honorable." Isa. 58:13.
12.. What blessing is- promised to
those who honor God's command-
ments? Rev. 22:14.
the Thirteenth Sabbath projects are
the Sabbath school. Order through
[21l
Lesson 7, for November 12, 1960
Obedience
MEMORY VERSE:
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land."
Isa.
1 :1 9.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 61; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and
Herald" of October 27.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3;
Memory Verse.
❑
Monday: Questions 4, 5; read from
•
Study Helps.
❑
Check
Here
Tuesday: Questions 6-8; read from
Study Helps.
Wednesday: Questions 9-13.
❑
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Obedience Defined and Exemplified
1.
A service of love. John 15:14.
2.
An example in Christ's life.
Phil. 2:8 ; 1 Peter 2:21-23.
3.
A sign of latter days is the absence
of obedience. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
II. Things That Lead to Disobedience
4.
The desire for popularity. 1 Sam.
15:23, 24; John 12:42, 43.
5.
The delay in punishment against
evil. Eccl. 8:11.
III. Examples That Show How God
Regards Disobedience
6.
Moses. Num. 20:7-12.
7.
Nadab and Abihu. Lev. 10:1, 2.
8.
Uzzah. 1 Chron. 13:9, 10.
IV. Various Aspects of Obedience
9.
It is more important than sacrifice.
Ps. 40:6.
10.
It comes to those who hear God's
voice. Isa. 30:21; Matt. 11:15.
11.
It brings delight in doing God's will.
Ps. 40:8, first part.
12.
It puts God's law in the heart. Ps.
40:8, last part; Rom. 7:22.
13.
It
is rewarded. Isa. 1:19.
Key Thought:
"Often the Christian life is beset by dan-
gers and duty seems hard to perform. The
imagination pictures impending ruin before
and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice
of God speaks clearly, 'Go forward.' We
should obey this command, even though our
eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we
feel the cold waves about our feet. The
obstacles that hinder our progress will never
disappear before a halting, doubting spirit.
Those who defer obedience till every shadow
of uncertainty disappears and there remains
no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey
at all. Unbelief whispers, 'Let us wait till
the obstructions are removed, and we can
see our way clearly;' but faith courageously
urges an advance, hoping all things, believ-
ing all
things."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 290
[22]
THE LESSON
Obedience Defined and Exemplified
1.
How does Jesus define true obe-
dience? John 15:14. Compare James
2:23; Gen. 12:1, 4.
NorE.—"Obedience is not a mere outward
compliance, but the service of love." "We
do not earn salvation by our obedience;
for salvation is the free gift of God, to be
received by faith. But obedience is the fruit
of
faith."—Steps to Christ,
pages 60, 61.
2.
What example of obedience did
Christ set for us? Phil. 2:8; 1 Peter
2:2 1-23.
NoTE.—Christ is our only true example
in obedience. We are admonished to "fol-
low His steps." Example is more forceful
than precept. It is one thing to tell others
what to do, and another to do it ourselves.
If all the world accepted Christ as an ex-
ample, and followed in His footsteps, there
would be no more confusion in doctrine or
hypocrisy in living.
3.
In what ways is the spirit of dis-
obedience manifested in the last days?
2 Tim. 3:1-5. Compare 2 Peter 3:3,
4; Isa. 24:3-6, 20; James 5:1-7.
Things That Lead to Disobedience
4.
What led Saul to disobey the
voice of God? 1 Sam. 15:23, 24. Com-
pare John 12:42, 43.
Nom—Saul wanted to be popular with
the people. He did not want to jeopardize
his standing as king. His true self is re-
vealed by the messenger of God, who wrote:
"Saul's disobedience changed his relation to
God. . . . But Saul presumed upon his ex-
altation, and dishonored God by unbelief
and disobedience. Though when first called
to the throne he was humble and self-dis-
trustful, success made him self-confident. The
very first victory of his reign had kindled
that pride of heart which was his greatest
danger. The valor and military skill dis-
played in the deliverance of Jabesh-gilead
had roused the enthusiasm of the whole na-
tion. The people honored their king, forget-
ting that he was but the agent by whom God
had wrought; and though at first Saul
ascribed the glory to God, he afterward took
honor to himself. He lost sight of his de-
pendence upon God, and in heart departed
from the
Lord."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 630-633.
5.
What emboldens some men to
be disobedient? Eccl. 8:11.
Examples That Show How God
Regards Disobedience
6.
What kept Moses from entering
the Promised Land? Num. 20:7-12.
7.
What seemingly slight violation
caused the death of Nadab and
Abihu? Lev. 10:1, 2.
8.
Why was God's anger kindled
against Uzzah? 1 Chron. 13:9, 10.
NoTE.—"The Philistines, who had not a
knowledge of God's law, had placed the ark
upon a cart when they returned it to Israel,
and the Lord accepted the effort which they
made. But the Israelites had in their hands
a plain statement of the will of God in all
these matters, and their neglect of these in-
structions was dishonoring to God. Upon
Uzzah rested the greater guilt of presump-
tion. Transgression of God's law had les-
sened his sense of its sacredness, and with
unconfessed sins upon him he had, in face
of the divine prohibition, presumed to touch
the symbol of God's presence. God can ac-
cept no partial obedience, no lax way of
treating His commandments. By the judg-
[ 23
GOD STILL REQUIRES OBEDIENCE.
went upon Uzzah He designed to impress
upon all Israel the importance of giving
strict heed to His requirements."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 706.
Various Aspects of Obedience
9.
What does the psalmist say con-
cerning the importance of obedience,
in contrast to forms and ceremonies?
Ps. 40:6. Compare 1 Sam. 15:22, 23.
Nom—The fortieth psalm contains a
prophecy of Jesus. It reveals His attitude
toward •obedience. Four statements con-
cerning Christ clearly set forth the various
aspects of obedience. Sacrifices and offer-
ings are essential, but God emphasizes that
there is something deeper, something better,
than mere external things. He looks into
the heart. Forms and ceremonies mean lit-
tle unless they are inspired" by an obedient
life. Amos 5:21-27.
10.
What part does the sense of ,
hearing play in man's obedience to
God's voice? Isa. 30:21; Matt. 11:15.
11.
In what is true obedience re-
vealed? Ps. 40:8, first part.
NoTE.—God does not want a forced obe-
dience. Obedience is the outgrowth of love.
Love is the motive power of true obedience.
"The law of love being the foundation of
the government of God, the happiness of all
intelligent beings depends upon their per-
fect accord with its great principles of right-
eousness. God desires from all His creatures
the service of love—service that springs from
an appreciation of His character. He takes
no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to
all He grants freedom of will, that they may
render Him voluntary
service."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 34.
12.
What attitude does the Chris-
tian take toward the law of God? Ps.
40:8, last part; Rom. 7:22. Compare
Heb. 8:10.
NOTE.—As
long as the law is in the heart,
purity of life will be manifested; obedience
will be supreme. As long as the law is only
in the Bible or on tables of stone, we shall
not delight in it.
13.
What promises are made to the
obedient? Isa. 1:19.
NOTE.—"For nations as well as for in-
dividuals, the path of obedience to God is
the path of safety and happiness, while that
of transgression leads only to disaster and
defeat."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 591.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH FALLS ON DECEMBER 24. PLAN NOW TO GIVE
A REAL CHRISTMAS THANK OFFERING FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF BLESS-
INGS. LET US GIVE TO INTER-AMERICA THE LARGEST OVERFLOW ANY
FIELD HAS EVER RECEIVED.
[
24]
Lesson 8, for November 19, 1960
The New Birth
MEMORY VERSE:
:
"Verily, verily,
I
say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 167-177; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and
Herald" of November 3.
DAILY STUDY
.
ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0
Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3;
Memory Verse.
Monday: Questions 4-9.
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; read
from Study Helps.
❑
Check
Here
Wednesday: Read from Study
Helps.
0
Thursday: Questions 12-14; read
from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline:
I. The Importance of the New Birth
1.
It was emphasized by Jesus.
John 3:3, 5.
2.
k is needed by all. Rom. 3:23;
5:12, last part.
3.
It is man's only hope. Eph. 2:12.
II. An Old and New Testament
Doctrine
4.
David's penitent cry. Ps. 51:7-10.
5.
Ezekiel's prophecy and promise.
Ezek. 36:25-27.; 11:19, 20.
6.
Joel's appeal. Joel 2:12, 13. •
7.
John's declaration on birth in
Christ. 1 John 2:29; 3:9.
8.
Paul's statement on the new creation.
2 Cor. 5:17.
9.
Peter and James on the new birth.
1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18.
III. Illustrations of the New Birth
-
10.
Parallel drawn from the wind..
John 3:7,8.
11.
Example drawn from life.
Luke 19:1-9.
IV. Evidences of the New Birth
12.
The surrendered will. Luke 22:42,
last part.
13.
The mind of Christ. Phil. 2:5;
1 Cor. 2:16.
14.
The humble spirit. Matt. 11:29,
last part; Isa. 57:15; Micah 6:8.
Key Thought:
"The change of heart by which we be-
come children of God is in the Bible spoken
of as birth. Again, it is compared to the
germination of the good seed sown by the
husbandman. In like manner those who
are just converted to Christ are, as 'new-
born babes,' to 'grow up' to the stature of
men and women in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter
2:2; Ephesians 4:15. Or like the good seed
sown in the field, they are to grow up and
bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they
shall 'be called trees of righteousness, the
planting of the Lord, that He might be
glorified.' Isaiah 61:3. So from natural life,
illustrations are drawn, to help us better to
understand the mysterious truths of spiritual
life."-Steps to Christ,
page 67.
THE LESSON
The
,
Importance of the New Birth
1. What alone will qualify one to
enter the kingdom of God? John
3:3,
5.
NOTE.
-"The power of Christ alone can
work the transformation in heart and mind
that all must experience who would partake
with Him of the new life in the kingdom of
heaven. 'Except a man be born again,' the
[25
]
Saviour has said, 'be cannot see the kingdom
of God.' John 3:3. The religion that comes
from God is the only religion that can lead
to God. In order to serve Him aright, we
must be born of the divine
Spirit."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 9, p. 156.
2.
Why do all need the new birth?
Rom. 3:23; 5:12, last part.
3.
What is the condition of the one
who has not experienced the new
birth? Eph. 2:12. Compare Luke
18:13.
NoTE.—"There are many who realize their
helplessness, and who long for that spiritual
life which will bring them into harmony
with God; they are vainly striving to obtain
it. In despair they cry, '0 wretched man
that I am ! who shall deliver me from this
body of death ?' Rom. 7:24, margin. Let
these desponding, struggling ones look up.
The Saviour is bending over the purchase of
His blood, saying with inexpressible tender-
ness and pity, 'Wilt thou be made whole ?'
He bids you arise in health and peace. Do
not wait to feel that you are made whole.
Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled.
Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to
serve Him, and in acting upon His word you
will receive strength."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 203.
An Old and New Testament
Doctrine
4.
How did the psalmist express
his earnest desire for a change of life
and heart? Ps. 51:7-10.
5.
What does the Lord say about
this experience? Ezek. 36:2 5-27;
11:19, 20.
6.
What appeal for genuine repent-
ance is made by God through the
prophet Joel? Joel 2:12, 13.
THE INVISIBLE WIND PRODUCES VISIBLE RESULTS., SO
WITH THE SPIRIT.
4060-8
7.
What is John's testimony con-
cerning those who have experienced
the new birth? 1 John 2:29; 3:9.
8.
By what is the life of the one
who is truly converted known?
2 Cor. 5:17.
NOTE.-"
`If any man be in Christ, he is
a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new:' 2 Co-
rinthians 5:17. Through the power of Christ,
men and women have broken the chains of
sinful habit. They have renounced selfish-
ness. The profane have become reverent,
the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls
that have borne the likeness of Satan have
become transformed into the image of God.
This change is in itself the miracle of mira-
cles."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 476.
9.
By what means is the new birth
brought about? 1 Peter 1:23; James
1:18.
Illustrations of the New Birth
10.
How did Jesus illustrate the
new birth? John 3:7, 8.
t
26]
NOTE.—The new birth cannot be ex-
plained; it must be experienced. This was
taught very forcibly by Jesus when He
talked to Nicodemus and said that no one
could see the kingdom of God without be-
ing born again. Nicodemus was perplexed
when Jesus used the wind to illustrate the
working of the Spirit upon the life. Concern-
ing this we read: "The wind is heard among
the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves
and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man
knows whence it comes or whither it goes.
So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon
the heart. It can no more be explained than
can the movements of the wind. A person
may not be able to tell the exact time or
place, or to trace all the circumstances in
the process of conversion; but this does not
prove him to be unconverted. By an agency
as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly
working upon the heart. Little by little,
perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, im-
pressions are made that tend to draw the
soul to Christ. These may be received
through meditating upon Him, through read-
ing the Scriptures, or through hearing the
word from the living preacher. Suddenly,
as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal,
the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus.
By many this is called sudden conversion;
but it is the result of long wooing by the
Spirit of God,—a patient, protracted proc-
ess."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 172.
11. When Zacchaeus was truly con-
verted, what did it lead him to do?
Luke 19:1-9.
Evidences of the New Birth
12. When one has experienced the
new birth, what will he be willing to
say? Luke 22:42, last part.
NorE.—When conversion takes place, self
will be fully surrendered to God. Those who
are born again will always say:
"Have Thine own way, Lord! Have
Thine own way !
Thou art the Potter; I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still."
—A. A. Pollard.
13.' What does the one who is con-
verted possess and reveal? Phil. 2:5;
1 Cor. 2:16.
NorE.—"The Spirit of God through faith
produces a new life in the soul. The thoughts
and desires are brought into obedience to
the will of Christ. The heart, the mind, are
created anew in the image of Him who works
in us to subdue all things to Himself."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 176.
14. What admirable condition is
revealed in the life of the one who
has been born again? Matt. 11:29,
last part; Isa. 57:15; Micah 6:8.
Lesson 9, for November 26, 1960
Baptism
MEMORY VERSE:
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put
on Christ." Gal. 3:27.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapter 11; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of
November 10.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Study Helps.
0
Sunday: Key Word; Questions 1-4.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-14'.
0
Monday: Questions 5-7; read from
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read from
[27
1
Lesson Outline:
I. The Importance of Baptism
1.
The example of Jesus. Matt.
3:13-15.
2.
The testimony of the Gospel writers.
Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15, 16; Luke
•
7:29, 30; John 3:5.
3.
The church purified and united by it.
Matt. 3:11; Eph. 4:5.
4.
The entrance to church membership.
1 Cor. 12:12, 13.
II.
Requirements for Baptism
5.
Instruction. Matt. 28:19, first part;
Acts 8:35.
6.
Faith. Mark 16:16, first part;
Acts 8:36, 37.
7.
Repentance, conversion, confession
of sin. Acts 2:37, 38.
III. Significance of Baptism
8. It commemorates Christ's death.
Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:12.
9.
It was not by sprinkling. John 3:23.
10.
It was by immersion. Acts 8:38, 39;
Matt. 3:16.
Life After Baptism
11.
A newness of life. Rom. 6:4, last
part; Gal. 2:20.
12.
A fuller acceptance of Christ.
Gal. 3:27.
13.
A search for higher things. Col. 3:1.
14.
A greater testing. Matt. 4:1-10;
Luke 4:13.
Key Word:
Baptism.
When Paul wrote, "We are
buried with Him by
baptism"
(Rom. 6:4),
he used the Greek noun
baptisma,
"consist-
ing of the processes of immersion, submer-
sion, and emergence."-W. E. Vine,
Exposi-
tory Dictionary of New Testament Words,
art. "Baptism," vol. 1, p. 96.
IV.
THE LESSON
The Importance of Baptism
1.
In what act did the Saviour set
an example for His followers at the
threshold of the Christian life? Matt.
3:13-15.
NOTE.
-"Jesus
did not receive baptism as
a confession of guilt on His own account.
He identified Himself with sinners, taking
the steps that we are to take, and doing the
work that we must do. His life of suffering
and patient endurance` after His baptism was
also an example to
us."-The Desire of Ages,
page 111.
2.
How do the Gospel writers ex-
press the importance of baptism?
Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15, 16; Luke
7:29, 30; John 3:5.
3.
In what way does baptism purify
and unify the church? Matt. 3:11;
Eph. 4:5.
4.
With what condition must all
comply in order to enjoy full church
membership? 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.
NOTE.
-"Christ
has made baptism the
sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom.
He has made this a positive condition with
which all must comply who wish to be
acknowledged as under the authority of the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before
man can find a home in the church, before
passing the threshold of God's spiritual
kingdom, he is to receive the impress of the
divine name,
'The Lord our Righteousness.'
Jeremiah
23:6."-Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 91.
Requirements for Baptism
5.
What is the
,
first requirement
for baptism? Matt. 28:19, first part;
Acts 8:35.
NoTE.-"Baptism is a most solemn re-
nunciation of the world. Those who are
baptized in the threefold name of the Father,
[28]
BAPTISM SYMBOLIZES DEATH AND RESURRECTION.
4060-9
the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very
entrance of their Christian life declare pub-
licly that they have forsaken the service of
Satan and have become members of the royal
family, children of the heavenly King. They
have obeyed the command: 'Come out from
among them, and be ye separate, . . . and
touch not the unclean thing.' And to them is
fulfilled the promise: 'I will receive you, and
will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be
My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Al-
mighty."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 91.
6.
What condition of heart must
precede baptism? Mark 16:16, first
part; Acts 8:36, 37.
7.
What other evidence of fitness
for baptism was given on the Day of
Pentecost? Acts 2:37, 38•
NorE.—True repentance leads to conver-
sion and confession of sin. The prerequisites
to baptism—instruction, faith, repentance,
and conversion—cannot be experienced by a
young child. The Bible is silent concerning
infant baptism.
Significance of Baptism
NOTE.—"This
passage [Rom. 6:4] cannot
be understood unless it be borne in mind
that the primitive baptism was by immer-
sion."—Conybeare and Howson,
Life and
Epistles of Saint Paul,
comment on Rom.
6:4, 1906 ed., p.
557.
9.
What statement of John indi-
cates that the mode of baptism cannot
be sprinkling? John 3:23.
10.
What other experiences teach
that the mode of baptism is immer-
sion? Acts 8:38, 39; Matt. 3:16.
Life After Baptism
11.
How is the life after baptism
designated? Rom. 6:4, last part; Gal.
2:20.
NorE.—The words "newness of life" sug-
gest that the life previous to baptism was
the old life. The same apostle who describes
the new life also reveals the characteristics
of the old. The old man is to be buried in
baptism. The new represents the converted
man. On this new life G. G. Findlay writes:
"The baptism of the Galatians signalized
their entrance 'into Christ,' the union of their
souls with the dying, risen Lord. They were
`baptized,' as Paul phrases it elsewhere, 'into
His death,' to 'walk' henceforth with Him
`in newness of life.' By its very form—the
normal and most expressive form of primi-
tive baptism, descent into and rising from
the symbolic waters—it pictured the soul's
death with Christ, its burial and its resur-
rection in Him, its separation from the life
of sin and entrance upon the new career of
a regenerated child of God."—George G.
Findlay, in
The Expositor's Bible,
comment
on Gal. 3:27.
12.
How is the life after baptism
further described? Gal. 3:27.
8. What does baptism commemo-
rate? Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:12.
- NorE.—The text makes it clear that Paul
speaks of the life after baptism. The putting
on of Christ is an experience that comes to
[ 29 1
us through faith. The expressions: "faith in
Christ" (verse 26), "baptized into Christ,"
and "put on Christ," are closely associated;
they are synonymous expressions. Of these
three expressions someone has said: "The
first is the spiritual principle, the ground or
element of the new life; the second, its visible
attestation; and the third indicates the char-
acter and habit proper thereto."
13. After baptism what will the
true child of God seek? Col. 3:1.
NoTE.—The life after baptism turns its
seeking heavenward ; it seeks "those things
which are above." Heavenly things satisfy
the longing- of the heart; they are of eternal
value; they will endure. In our spiritual
experience we are to "mount up with wings
as eagles." Isa. 40:31. We are to live in the
heavenly atmosphere. We must continue to
"seek those things which are above" until
we reach our eternal goal—heaven itself.
14. What experience should those
who follow their Master in baptism
be prepared to meet?. Matt. 4:1-10;
Luke 4:13.
NorE.—It was after Christ's baptism that
Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, but
the enemy was defeated in every attempt.
The secret of Christ's success must be ours.
It is found in three words: "It is written."
Lesson 10, for December 3, 1960
The Second Coming of Jesus
MEMORY VERSE:
"Surely I come quickly.
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev.
22:20.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapter 69; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of
November 17.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Tuesday: Read from Study Helps.
Sunday: Key Words; Questions 1,2;
Wednesday: Questions 8-13.
0
Memory Verse.
❑
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 3-7.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. The Certainty of His Coming
1.
Our
assurance is based on Christ's.
promise. John 14:1-3.
2.
The second coming is as certain as
was the first advent. Heb. 9:27, 28.
II. The Doctrine in the Old and
New Testaments
111.
3. Testimony of Old Testament char-
acters:
a. Enoch.. Jude 14, 15.
30
b.
Job. Job 19:25, 26.
c.
David. Ps. 50:3.
d.
Isaiah. Isa. 40:10.
4. Testimony of Gospel writers.
Matt. 24:30-; Mark 13:26, 27;
Luke 21:27.
5,
6. Testimony of apostles. 2 Peter
1:16-19; Titus 2:13.
7.
The angels' proclamation. Acts 1:11.
The Nearness of His Coming
8.
The disciples' question. Matt. 24:3.
9.
The Saviour's answer. Matt. 24:23,
24, 27, 37-39.
10.
The celestial signs. Luke 21:25-28.
11.
The signs in the church. 1 Tim. 4:1.
12.
The gospel to all the world.
Matt. 24:14.
Key Words:
1.
Coming.
The early Christians used a
word,
parousia,
as a term to denote their
Master's return. It was contrasted with an-
other word rendered "absence." Technically,
parousia
meant the presence of someone
standing by.
"In bodily form, He is now absent in
heaven: on that day [the
parousia]
He will
be visibly present on earth."—J. Agar Beet,
Manual of Theology,
page 458.
2.
Fables.
In 1 Timothy 1:4, as in other
scriptures, reference is made to fables, which
can refer to any oral sayings handed down
from the past. There was a large body of
rabbinical fables.
"It was said in the Jewish schools that an
oral law had been given on Sinai, and that
this law, a succession of teachers, from the
time of Moses, had handed down. This 'law
that is upon the lip,' as it was termed, was
further illustrated and enlarged by the say-
ings and comments of the more famous
Jewish rabbis, and in the time of our Lord
constituted a supplement to the written law
in the Pentateuch. For centuries this supple-
mentary code was preserved by memory or
in secret rolls, and doubtless was constantly
receiving additions. It contained, along with
many wild and improbable legendary his-
tories, some wise teachings. This strange
collection of tradition and comment was
committed to writing in the second century
by Rabbi Jehuda, under the general name
of the Mishna, or repetition (of the law)."
—Ellicott,
Commentary,
on 1 Timothy 1:4.
There were many other oral traditions,
which often served to becloud the truths
taught by Jesus. See Matthew 15:3.
THE LESSON
The Certainty of His Coming
1.
What promise did Jesus make
regarding His return? John 14:1-3.
NorE.—The words "I will come again"
were spoken at a time when the hearts of
God's children were troubled. That is why
the Lord began by saying: "Let not your
heart be troubled." The disciples tried to
understand what might happen to them
should the Master leave them. To bring
hope, cheer, comfort, and an undying faith
into their lives, He promised that He would
come again. How sweet the words sounded,
"And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again." This promise not only
belonged to the disciples then, it is a real
inspiration to God's people today who are
looking forward to His appearing. God's
promises will not fail. The coming of Jesus
is mentioned more than fifteen hundred times
in His word, and more than three hundred
times in the New Testament. What an em-
phasis on His coming !
2.
What two points does Paul stress
in assuring us of the second coming
of Christ? Heb. 9:27, 28.
NOTE.—The first advent of Christ makes
the second advent necessary. If the second
coming of the Lord did not take place, His
first appearing would be of no avail. Paul
wrote: "So Christ was once offered to bear
the sins of many." This is a historical fact;
He was here; He was the offering that was
made in our behalf for our sins. Therefore
Paul continues: "And unto them that look
for Him shall He appear the second time."
The Doctrine in the Old and
New Testaments
3.
What testimonies are given by
Old Testament characters regarding
the coming of the Lord? Jude 14, 15;
Job 19:25, 26; Ps. 50:3; Isa. 40:10.
4.
How did the Gospel writers re-
gard the Saviour's great prophecy of
His return? Matt. 24:30; Mark 13:26,
27; Luke 21:27.
5.
What experience is mentioned
by Peter that lifts the doctrine of
811
Christ's advent above the false teach-
ings of men? 2 Peter 1:16-19.
6.
What is the coming of Jesus
called? Titus 2:13.
NoTE.—"The coming of the Lord has been
in all ages the hope of His true followers.
The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet,
that He would come again, lighted up the
future for His disciples, filling their hearts
with joy and hope that sorrow could not
quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and
persecution, the `appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ' was the
`blessed hope.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 302.
7.
At the time of Christ's ascension,
what promise did the angels make to
the disciples? Acts 1:11.
NoTE.—"While the disciples were gazing
upward to catch the last glimpse of their
ascending Lord, He was received into the
rejoicing ranks of heavenly angels. As these
angels escorted Him to the courts above,
they sang in triumph, 'Sing unto God, ye
kingdoms of the earth; 0 sing praises unto
the Lord, to Him that rideth upon the heav-
ens of heavens. . . . Ascribe ye strength
unto God: His excellency is over Israel, and
His strength is in the heavens.' Psalm 68:32-
34, margin. • .
"The promise of Christ's second coming
was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of
His disciples. The same Jesus whom they
had seen ascending into heaven, would come
again, to take to Himself those who here
below give themselves to His service."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 32, 33.
The Nearness of His Coming
8.
With what important event
were the disciples concerned, and
what question did they ask the Mas-
ter? Matt. 24:3.
9.
What are some of the omens of
the soon return of the Saviour? Matt.
24:23, 24, 27, 37-39.
NoTE.—"As the people of Noah's day
`knew not until the Flood came, and took
them all away; so,' in the words of our
Saviour, `shall also the coming of the Son
of man be.' Matthew 24:39. When the pro-
fessed people of God are uniting with the
world, living as they live, and joining with
them in forbidden pleasures; when the lux-
ury of the world becomes the luxury of the
church; when the marriage bells are chim-
ing, and all are looking forward to many
years of worldly prosperity—then, suddenly
as the lightning flashes from the heavens,
will come the end of their bright visions and
delusive hopes."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 338, 339.
10.
What specific events seen in
earth and sky reveal the nearness of
the second coming of the Lord? Luke
21:25-28.
11.
How did Paul describe the con-
ditions that would prevail just prior
to the second coming of Jesus?
1 Tim. 4:1.
12.
What great task confronts the
people of God before the coming of
the Lord? Matt. 24:14.
821
Lesson 11, for December 10, 1960
Manner and Purpose of Christ's Coming
MEMORY VERSE:
"And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give
every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 640-644 (large subscription ed.,
pp. 631-635); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture ref-
erences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of November 24.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3;
Memory Verse.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6; read from
Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 7-12.
❑
Thursday: Questions 13, 14;
read from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. False Ideas Concerning His Coming
1.
The warning against deception.
Matt. 24:4, 5, 24.
2.
The crowning act of deception.
2 Cor. 11:14.
3.
The deceived. 2 Thess. 2:10-12.
II. Specific Errors Concerning the
Second Advent
4.
That it took place at the resurrec-
tion. Matt. 28:2-6; Mark 16:2-6;
Rev. 1:7.
5.
That it takes place at conversion.
Matt. 24:30.
6.
That it takes place, at death. John
21:21-23.
III. Christ's Coming Is Personal and
Visible
7.
Promise of Jesus to come in person.
John 14:3.
8.
"The Lord Himself shall descend."
1 Thess. 4:16.
9.
The angels' assurance of a personal
return. Acts 1:11.
10.
The warning against secret appear-
ings. Matt. 24:23-26.
11.
The appearance like lightning.
Matt. 24:27.
12.
The threefold glory of His appear-
ing. Matt. 16:27; Luke 9:26.
IV. The Purpose of Christ's Return
13.
To gather the elect. Matt. 24:31.
14.
To bestow salvation. Heb. 9:28.
Key Thought:
"Satan can present a counterfeit so closely
resembling the truth that it deceives those
who are willing to be deceived, who desire
to shun the self-denial and sacrifice de-
manded by the truth; but it is impossible
for him to hold under his power one soul
who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to
know the truth. Christ is the truth and the
'light, which lighteth every man that cometh
into the world.' John 1:9. The Spirit of
truth has been sent to guide men into all
truth."-The
Great Controversy,
page 528.
THE LESSON
False Ideas Concerning His Coming
1. What did Jesus say would be
one of the deceptions of the latter
times? Matt. 24:4, 5, 24.
NOTE.-"Evil spirits will be put upon the
track of every soul that seeks to join the
ranks of Christ, for Satan wishes to recover
the prey taken from his grasp. Evil men
will give themselves over to believe strong
[ 33
3
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE; CHRIST WITH
HIS ANGELS WILL BE SEEN BY ALL. '
delusions, that they may be damned. These
men will put on the garments of sincerity
and deceive, if possible, the very elect."—
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 595.
2.
Before the end of time, how will
Satan himself attempt to deceive the
people? 2 Cor. 11:14.
NOTE.—"As the crowning act in the great
drama of deception, Satan himself will per-
sonate Christ. The church has long pro-
fessed to look to the Saviour's advent as the
consummation of her hopes. Now the great
deceiver will make it appear that Christ has
come. In different parts of the earth, Satan
will manifest himself among men as a ma-
jestic being of dazzling brightness, resem-
bling the description of the Son of God given
by John in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13-
15. The glory that surrounds him is un-
surpassed by anything that mortal eyes have
yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out
upon the air: 'Christ has come!Christ has
come !' The people prostrate themselves in
adoration before him, while he lifts up his
hands and pronounces a blessing upon them,
as Christ blessed His disciples when He was
upon the earth. . . . But the people of
God will not be misled. The teachings of
this false christ are not in accordance with
the Scriptures."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 624, 625.
3.
What four experiences does
Paul note in the lives of those who
will be deceived? 2 Thess. 2:10-12.
NoTE.—It is important that we not only
know the manner of Christ's coming but that
we have the right attitude toward this great
event. Satan will do his utmost to deceive
even the very elect. Paul earmarks those
who are or who will be deceived. He tells
us that they will be known by the following:
They (1) "received not the love of the
truth," (2) "believe a lie," (3) "believed not
the truth," (4) "had pleasure in unrighteous-
ness."
When we rely upon the word of God, ac-
cept its teaching, and live in harmony with
it, we need not fear deception.
Specific Errors Concerning the
Second Advent
4.
Why cannot the resurrection of
Jesus represent His second coming?
Matt. 28:2-6; Mark 16:2-6; Rev. 1:7.
NOTE.—When Christ came forth from the
tomb, only a few saw Him. When He comes
the second time, "every eye shall see Him."
The two events are entirely separate. The
first has already taken place; the second
takes place after the gospel has been preached
or proclaimed to every nation, tongue, and
people. Matt. 24:14.
5.
Why cannot conversion represent
the second coming of Christ? Matt.
24:30.
NoTE.—There are those who believe that
the second coming of Jesus takes place at
the time of conversion, but this is not based
upon a "Thus saith the Lord." When one
experiences the new birth, Christ comes and
dwells in the heart by His Holy Spirit; but
this is not His second coming.
6.
What experience indicates that
the disciples did not believe that
death is the second coming of Jesus?
John 21:21-23.
[34]
NoTE.—It is evident that the disciples re-
garded death and the coming of Christ as
two distinct or separate events.
"The teaching so widely echoed from
popular pulpits, that the second advent of
Christ is His coming to each individual at
death, is a device to divert the minds of men
from His personal coming in the clouds of
heaven. For years Satan has thus
been
saying, 'Behold, He is in the secret chambers'
(Matthew 24:23-26) ; and many souls have
been lost by accepting this deception."—The
Great Controversy,
page 525.
Christ's Coming Is Personal and
Visible
7.
What did Jesus promise concern-
ing His second coming? John 14:3.
8.
What does the apostle Paul say
about the personal coming of the
Lord? 1 Thess. 4:16.
9.
What assurance was given by
the angels at the time of the ascension
of Jesus? Acts 1:11.
NOTE.-"It
was the compassionate Sav-
iour, who, anticipating the loneliness and sor-
row of His followers, commissioned angels to
comfort them with the assurance that He
would come again in person, even as He went
into heaven."—The
Great Controversy,
page 339.
10.
What warning did Jesus give
concerning the teaching of a secret
coming? Matt. 24:23-26.
Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Be-
hold, He is in the desert; go not forth: be-
hold, He is in the secret chambers; believe
it not.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 625.
11.
In what striking manner is the
visible coming of the Lord described
in the word of God? Matt. 24:27.
12.
In what glory will the Saviour
appear? Matt. 16:27; Luke 9:26.
Compare Dan. 7:9; Pi. 50:3; Ezek.
1:13, 14.
NoTE.—The glory that surrounds Christ
when He appears the second time is inde-
scribable. We read: "No human pen can
portray the scene; no mortal mind is ade-
quate to conceive its splendor. 'His glory
covered the heavens, and the earth was full
of His praise. And His brightness was as the
light.' Habakkuk 3:3, 4. As the living cloud
comes still nearer, every eye beholds the
Prince of life. No crown of thorns now mars
that sacred head; but a diadem of glory rests
on His holy brow. His countenance out-
shines the dazzling brightness of the noon-
day
sun."—The Great Controversy,
page
641.
The Purpose of Christ's Return
13.
What will the angels do when
they appear with Christ in glory?
Matt. 24:31. Compare Isa. 43:5, 6.
•
14. What will the people of God
then receive? Heb. 9:28.
NoTE.—"Satan is not permitted to coun-
terfeit the manner of Christ's advent. The
Saviour has warned His people against de-
ception upon this point, and has clearly
foretold the manner of His second coming.
`There shall arise false christs, and false
prophets, and shall show great signs and
wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible,
they shall deceive the very elect. . . .
NoTE.—"In the typical service the high
priest, having made the atonement for
Israel, came forth and blessed the congre-
gation. So Christ, at the close of His work
as mediator, will appear, 'without sin unto
salvation' (Hebrews 9:28), to bless His wait-
ing people with eternal
life."—The Great
Controversy,
page 485.
[ 35
Lesson 12, for December 17, 1960
Immortality Through Christ
MEMORY VERSE:
"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of
God hath not life." I John 5:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 58, 531-534 (large subscription ed.,
pp. 42, 43, 525-528); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on
Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of December 1.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Key Words; Background
Information; Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6; Memory
Verse.
❑
Check
Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
❑
Wednesday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Questions 11-13; read
•
from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. Man's Creation and Nature
1.
Created by God. Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:7.
2.
Perfect. Gen. 1:31.
3.
Wonderfully made. Ps. 139:14.
II. Immortality
4.
God alone possesses immortality.
1 Tim. 6:15, 16; 1:17.
5.
Man may receive it. Rom. 2:7.
6.
Man believed Satan's lie. Gen. 3:4.
III. Man's True Condition in Death
7. He has returned to dust. Eccl. 3:19,
20; 12:7; Gen. 3:19.
.8. His thoughts have perished.
Ps. 146:3, 4; 6:5; Eccl. 9:5, 6.
9. He is unconscious. John 11:11;
1 Cor. 15:51.
IV. Immortal Life
10.
It is found only in Christ. John
10:15, 17, 18; 2 Tim. 1:10.
11.
The mortal puts on immortality.
1 Cor. 15:51-55.
•
12. It is received at the resurrection of
the righteous. Ps. 17:15; 1 Thess.
4:15-17.
Key Words:
"Soul.
The Hebrew word,
nephesh,
of
the Old Testament, occurs about 700 times,
and is rendered
soul
471 times;
life
and
liv-
ing,
about 150 times; and the same word is
also rendered a
man,
a
person, self, they, me,
him, any one, breath, heart, mind, appetite,
the
body,
(dead or alive,)
lust, creature,
and
even a
beast;
for it is 28 times applied to
beasts
and to
every creeping thing.
The
Greek word
psuchee
of the
New
Testament,
corresponds with
nephesh
of the Old. It oc-
curs 105 times, and is rendered
soul
59 times,
and
life
40 times. The same word is also
rendered,
mind, us, you, heart, heartily,
and
is twice applied to the
beasts
that perish.
. . . Perhaps it may be worthy of notice,
that in all the 700 times which
nephesh
oc-
curs, and the 105 times of
psuchee,
not once
is the word
immortal,
or
immortality,
or
deathless,
or
never-dying,
found in connec-
tion, as qualifying the terms. . .
"Spirit.
The Hebrew word
ruach,
oc-
curs 400 times in the Old Testament, and
is rendered
spirit
240 times;
breath
28 times;
wind
95 times;
mind
6 times, and the bal-
ance in 18 different ways. . . . Like the
word
psuchee,
neither
ruach
nor
pneuma
is
even once connected with words which in-
dicate that it is deathless, never-dying, or
immortal."—Wilson,
Emphatic Diaglott,
1870 edition, Alphabetical Appendix.
36
Background Information
Belief in the natural immortality of the
soul led to the deification and worship of
the dead. This was customary among the
peoples of antiquity,—Egyptians, Assyrians,
Babylonians, Phoenicians, Greeks,—in fact,
among all except those who worshiped the
true God. More than that, this false doc-
trine, the immortality of the soul, paved the
way for the teachings of spiritism, or spirit-!
ualism, which is defined as "belief that de-
parted spirits hold intercourse with mortals
by means of physical phenomena, as by rap-
ping, or during abnormal mental states, as
in trances, commonly manifested through a
medium; the practices of spiritualists."—
Webster,
New Collegiate Dictionary.
THE LESSON
Man's Creation and Nature
1.
Who was the Creator of man,
and how was man made? Gen. 1:26,
27; 2:7. Compare Ps. 103:14.
2.
In what condition was man
when he came forth from the hands
of his Maker? Gen. 1:31. Compare
Eccl. 7:29.
NoTE.—"In the creation of man was mani-
fest the agency of a personal God. When
God had made man in His image, the hu-
man form was perfect in all its arrange-
ments, but it was without life. Then a per-
sonal, self-existing God breathed into that
form the breath of life, and man became
a living, breathing, intelligent being. All
parts of the human organism were put
in action. The heart, the arteries, the veins,
the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses,
the perceptions of the mind—all began their
work, and all were placed under law. Man
became a living soul. Through Jesus Christ
a personal God created man and endowed
him with intelligence and
power."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 8, p. 264.
3.
As David considered the miracle
of his own creation, what was he led
to exclaim? Ps. 139:14.
NoTE.—"The psalmist cannot contemplate
his own frame, God's workmanship, with-
out breaking into thanks, nor without being
touched with awe. Every man carries in
his own body reasons enough for reverent
gratitude."—Alexander Maclaren, D.D., in
Expositor's Bible,
comment on Psalm 139:
13-18.
Immortality
4.
Who only possesses inherent im-
mortality? 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; 1:17.
NoTE.—The word "immortal" is defined
by Webster as "exempt from liability to die."
God is the only being who possesses original
life or immortality in Himself. All others
must receive it from Him.
5.
What is one condition of man's
receiving immortality? Rom. 2i7.
NOTE.-"If
we do not strive to gain an
entrance into the kingdom, if we do not seek
earnestly to learn what constitutes its laws,
we are not fitted for a part in
it."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 280.
6.
What has been the basis of the
false teaching concerning the immor-
tality of the soul? Gen. 3:4.
NoTE.—The first lie ever recorded came
from the enemy of all truth. This lie is ex-
pressed in five words: "Ye shall not surely
die." These words form the foundation upon
which the theory of the immortality of man
is based—a poor foundation to build upon.
Among ancient peoples in general there
was some form of belief in survival after
death, just as there was an equally wide-
spread tradition of a universal flood. The
first had its Origin in the satanic lie, "Ye shall
[ 37 ]
IF MEN ARE IMMORTAL. CHRIST NEED NOT HAVE,'
BURST THE TOMB.
not surely die;" the second, in the historical
fact of the Flood.
"Herodotus reports (bk. ii, 123) that the
Egyptians 'were the first who taught that
man's soul is immortal.' "—J. Agar Beet,
The
Immortality of the Soul,
page 15.
Man's True Condition in Death
7.
What happens to man when he
dies? Eccl. 3:19, 20; 12:7; Gen. 3:19.
8.
What is the state of man in
death? Ps. 146:3, 4; 6:5; Eccl. 9:5, 6.
9.
With what is death compared in
the Bible? John 11:11; 1 Cor. 15:51.
Compare Dan. 12:13; 1 Thess. 4:15.
NOTE.—Death is a sleep. This thought
runs through the whole Bible. In sound sleep
one is wholly lost to consciousness; time
goes by unmeasured.
Immortal Life
10.
What definite proof do we have
that immortality is found only in
Christ? John 10:15, 17, 18; 2 Tim.
1:10.
NOTE.—Jesus laid down His life, but He
was the "Prince of life." Acts 3:15. Because
He was sinless and holy He came forth from
the tomb. Rom. 1:4. As He was the Author
of eternal salvation, so He was "the Author
of the resurrection," and because Jesus was
the Conqueror of the grave "He . . . as-
serted His right and power to give eternal
life" to all who trust in Him. See
The De-
sire of Ages,
page 530. He delivered us from
wrath by His death, and brought to us
immortality through His own divine life.
11.
What change will take place
when "death is swallowed up in vic-
tory"? 1 Cor. 15:51-55.
NOTE.—"When, at Christ's coming, the
amazing transformation from mortal to im-
mortal has taken place, both of the righteous
dead and the righteous living, then man's
great enemy will no longer trouble the re-
deemed. The last thought that occupied
their minds as the shadow of death overtook
the saints was that of approaching sleep,
their last feeling was that of the pain of
death. As they see that Christ has come and
conferred on them the gift of immortality,
their first sensation will be one of great re-
joicing that never again will they succumb to
the power of death."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on 1 Cor. 15:54.
12.
When will the people of God
be clothed with immortality? Ps.
17:15; 1 Thess. 4:15-17.
NOTE.—"The gift of immortality will be
received only by those who accept God's
offer of salvation through Jesus Christ, and
this gift will be theirs when Jesus comes
again."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on 1 Cor. 15:53.
[ 38
Lesson 13, for December 24, 1960
The Millennium
MEMORY VERSE: "And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
Rev. 20:4, lost part.
STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 41; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Her-
ald" of December 8.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6; read from
Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-9; Memory
Verse.
Wednesday: Read from Study Helps.
Thursday: Questions 10-14.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Premillennial World Conditions
1.
Compared to Noah's day. Matt.
24:37-39; Gen. 6:5, 11; 2 Tim.
3:1-5.
2.
Two classes of men. Matt.
13:38, 39.
3.
Peace efforts. Isa. 2:2-4; Joel 3:9,
10; 1 Thess. 5:3.
II.
The Beginning of the Millennium
4.
The return of Christ; the first
resurrection. John 14:1-3;
Rev. 20:4, 5.
5.
The wicked slain. Rev. 19:11-21;
Heb. 10:26, 27.
6.
The saints taken to heaven.
John 14:3 ; 1 Thess. 4:16 (last
part), 17.
III. Events During the Millennium
7.
Satan bound. Rev. 20: 1, 2.
8.
The earth desolate. Jer. 4:23-27.
9.
The righteous sit in judgment.
Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:1, 2.
IV. The Close of the Millennium
10.
The resurrection of the wicked.
Rev. 20:5, first part.
11.
The loosing of Satan. Rev. 20:3
(last part), 7.
12.
The attempt on the city.
Rev. 20:7-9.
13.
The destruction of the wicked.
Mal. 4:1; Nahum 1:9.
14.
The new earth. Rev. 21:1;
Isa. 65:17.
Key Thought:
The word "millennium" comes from two
Latin words, mina,
,
meaning "a thousand,"
and
annus
year"-a thousand years. The
word "millennium" is not found in the Eng-
lish Bible, but the expression "one thousand
years," which is equivalent to it, is used six
times in the twentieth chapter of Revelation.
The saints will be in heaven, the wicked are
slain, and Satan is bound. He and his angels
will be judged during this period. "The
angels which kept not their first estate, but
left their own habitation, He hath reserved
in everlasting chains under darkness unto the
judgment of the great day." Jude 6.
f
89]
THE LESSON
Premillennial World Conditions
1.
What conditions precede the
coming of the Lord? Matt. 24:37-39;
Gen. 6:5, 11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
NoTE.—Thinking men and women every-
where recognize the prevailing wickedness
of the times in which we live. No one can
deny that drunkenness, vice, crime, and de-
bauchery have greatly increased. The sins
of Noah's days are repeated in our day.
2.
How many classes of people will
there be when Christ comes? Matt.
13: 38, 39.
NOTE.—We are told that "the harvest
is the end of the world." It is plain that the
wicked, represented by the tares, live with
the righteous—the wheatuntil the end of
the world. Jesus and the New Testament
writers nowhere anticipated that the whole
world would be converted.
3.
What has been prophesied con-
cerning peace efforts in the last days,
and their results? Isa.
2:2-4;
Joel 3:9,
10; 1 Thess. 5:3.
NoTE.—" 'Where is the promise of His
coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all
things continue as they were from the be-
ginning.' 2 Peter 3:4. Do we not hear these
very words repeated, not merely by the
openly ungodly, but by many who occupy,
the pulpits of our land? 'There is no cause
for alarm,' they cry. 'Before Christ shall
come, all the world is to be converted,
and
righteousness is to reign for a thousand
years. Peace, peace! all things continue as
they were from the beginning. Let none be
disturbed by the exciting message of these
alarmists.' But this doctrine of the millen-
nium does not harmonize with the teachings
of Christ and His
apostles."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 103.
The Beginning of the Millennium
4.
What glorious events mark the
beginning of the millennium? John
14:1-3; Rev. 20:4, 5.
NOTE.—There will be two general resur-
rections, with one thousand years between
them. They mark the beginning and the
end of the thousand
years.
The first resur-
rection brings forth those who died in the
Lord; the second, those who have rejected
Christ and who will be lost eternally. Since
the righteous dead are raised at the second
coming of Christ, it is evident that this
event will mark the last day, of the present
Christian
age,
and the beginning of the mil-
lennium, or the thousand-year period. There-
fore the coming of Christ is premillennial.
5.
What will happen to the wicked
when Christ comes? Rev. 19:11-21;
Heb. 10:26, 27. Compare Luke
17:26-30; 1 Thess. 5:3.
NoTE.—"At the coming of Christ the
wicked are blotted from the face of the
whole earth—consumed with the spirit of
His mouth and destroyed by the brightness
of His glory."—The
Great Controversy,
page 657.
6.
At the second coming of Christ
what wonderful change is afforded the
righteous? John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16
(last part), 17.
Events During the Millennium
7.• After the translation of the
righteous and the slaying of the
wicked, where and how will Satan
be confined? Rev 20:1, 2. Compare
Mark 5:3, 4.
NOTE.—With the righteous in heaven and
the wicked slain, his iniquitous work is
brought to a standstill during the thousand
[ 40 ]
years, for he will have no one to deceive. His
place of confinement is the "bottomless pit,"
or this earth. The expression "bottomless
pit" is the same in the Greek as that used
in the Septuagint translation of Genesis 1:2
for the word rendered "deep" in the King
James Version.
"That the expression 'bottomless pit' rep-
resents the earth in a state of confusion and
darkness is evident from other scriptures.
Concerning the condition of the earth 'in
the beginning,' the Bible record says that
it `was_without form, and void; and darkness
was upon the face of the deep.' Genesis 1:2.
Prophecy teaches that it will be brought
back, partially at least, to this condition....
"For a thousand years, Satan will wander
to and fro in the desolate earth to behold
the results of his rebellion against the law
of God. During this time his sufferings are
intense. Since his fall his life of unceasing
activity has banished reflection; but he is
now deprived of his power and left to con-
template the part which he has acted since
first he rebelled against the government of
heaven, and to look forward with trembling
and terror to the dreadful future when he
must suffer for all the evil that he has done
and be punished for the sins that he has
caused to be committed."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
pages 658-660.
8.
What will be the condition of
Satan's prison house during the thou-
sand years? Jer. 4:23-27. Compare
Isa. 24:19, 20.
NOTE.—"The whole earth appears like a
desolate wilderness. The ruins of cities and
villages destroyed by the earthquake, up-
rooted trees, ragged rocks thrown out by the
sea or torn out of the earth itself, are scat-
tered over its surface, while vast caverns
mark the spot where the mountains have
been rent from their foundations. . . .
"The revelator foretells the banishment
of Satan and the condition of chaos and
desolation to which the earth is to be re-
duced, and he declares that this condition
will exist for a thousand years."—The
Great
Controversy,
pages 657, 658.
9.
During the millennium what
will be the work of the righteous?
Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:1, 2.
NoTE.—"During the thousand years be-
tween the first and the second resurrection
the judgment of the wicked takes place.
. . . It is at this time that, as foretold by
Paul, 'the saints shall judge the world.'
1 Corinthians 6:2, 3. In union with Christ
they judged the wicked, comparing their
acts with the statute book, the Bible, and
deciding every case according to the deeds
done in the body. Then the portion which
the wicked must suffer is meted out, ac-
cording to their works; and it is recorded
against their names in the book of death."—
The Great Controversy,
pages 660, 661.
The Close of the Millennium
10.
When will the rest of the dead,
the wicked, be resurrected? Rev. 20:5,
first part.
NOTE.—"At the close of the thousand
years the second resurrection will take place.
Then the wicked will be raised from the
dead and appear before God for the execu-
tion of 'the judgment written.' Thus the
revelator, after describing the resurrection
of the righteous, says: 'The rest of the dead
lived not again until the thousand years
were finished.' Revelation 20:5. And Isaiah
declares, concerning the wicked: 'They shall
be gathered together, as prisoners are gath-
ered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the
prison
,
and
after many days shall they be
visited.
'
Isaiah 24:22."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 661.
411
11.
What change in Satan's condi-
tion will take place at the close of the
millennium? Rev. 20:3 (last part), 7.
12.
As a result of the resurrection
of the wicked, what does Satan at-
tempt to do, and what is the outcome?
Rev. 20:7-9.
Nora.—"Satan
consults with his angels,
and then with these kings and conquerors
and mighty men. They look upon the
strength and numbers on their side, and de-
clare that the army within the city is small
in comparison with theirs, and that it can
be overcome. They lay their plans to take
possession of the riches and glory of the
New Jerusalem. All immediately begin to
prepare for battle.. . .
"In his last great effort to dethrone Christ,
destroy His people, and take possession of
the City of God, the archdeceiver has been
fully unmasked. Those who have united
with him see the total failure of his cause."
—The Great Controversy,
pages 664-670.
13.
How complete will be the de-
struction of the wicked? Mal. 4:1;
Nahum 1:9.
NOTE.—"Satan's
work of ruin is forever
ended. For six thousand years he has
wrought his will, filling the earth with woe
and causing grief throughout the universe.
The whole creation has groaned and trav-
ailed together in pain. Now God's creatures
are forever delivered from his presence and
temptations."—The
Great Controversy,
page
673.
14.
After the destruction of the
wicked by fire what will appear? Rev.
21:1; Isa. 65:17.
Lesson 14, for December 31, 1960
The Home of the Saved
MEMORY VERSE:
"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for
them that love Him." I Cor. 2:9.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 673-678 (chapter 42, last 6
pages); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture refer-
ences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of December 15.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-5.
❑
Monday: Questions 6, 7; read from
Study Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
❑
Check
Here
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Memory Verse; read
from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
1
42
Lesson Outline:
I. God's Purpose in Creation
1.
He formed the earth to be inhabited.
Isa. 45:18.
2.
The earth hath He given to man.
Ps. 115:16.
II. The Promise to Abraham
3.
"Will make thy seed as the dust of
the earth." Gen. 13:14-17.
4.
Heir of the world through faith.
Rom. 4:13.
5.
Looked for a city whose maker was
God. Heb. 11:8-10, 13-16.
III. The Holy City
6.
A new home for those who believe.
John 14:1-3.
7.
In vision John saw the New Jeru-
salem coming down from heaven.
Rev. 21:1-3.
1V. New Earth Conditions
8.
The desert shall blossom as the rose.
Isa. 35:1, 2 ; Rev. 21:1; 22:3-5.
9.
Glorified body not subject to death.
Rev. 21:4 ; Isa. 33:24.
10.
Animal life changed. Isa. 11:6-9;
Isa. 35:9.
11.
Employment of time in new earth.
Isa. 65:21, 22.
V. The Home of the Redeemed
12.
Mortal man cannot comprehend.
1 Cor. 2:9, 10.
13.
Given to him that overcometh.
Rev. 2:7; 22:14; Ps. 37:29.
Key Thought:
"A fear of making the future inheritance
seem too material has led many to spirit-
ualize away the very truths which lead us
to look upon
it as
our home. Christ as-
sured His disciples that He went to prepare
mansions for them in the Father's house.
Those who accept the teachings of God's
word will not be wholly ignorant concern-
ing the heavenly abode. And yet, 'eye hath
not seen, nor ear heard, neither have en-
tered into the heart of man, the things which
God hath prepared for them that love
Him.'
"-The Great Controversy,
pages 674,
675.
THE LESSON
God's Purpose in Creation
1.
When God created this earth,
what purpose did He have in mind?
Isa. 45:18.
NoTE.-"He created it not in vain." This
earth was never intended to be a waste-
land. When God created our first parents
He said to them: "Be fruitful, and multiply,
and replenish the earth, and subdue it."
Genesis 1:28. Though sin has decimated the
earth's population and made the earth to
wax old as a garment, yet the design of the.
Creator remains unchanged. "My counsel
shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure."
Isaiah 46:10.
2.
Why is this earth said to
be
man's rightful home? Ps. 115:16.
NOTE.-"
'God made the world to en-
large heaven. He desired a larger family'
(EGW RH June 25, 1908). This same planet
will be the final home of the redeemed. He
has promised that the meek 'shall inherit
the earth' (Matt.
5:5)."-The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Ps. 115:16.
The Promise to Abraham
3.
What promise was made to
Abraham? Gen. 13:14-17.
NOTE.-"There
was given to Abraham the
promise, especially dear to the people of
that age, of a numerous posterity and of
national greatness: 'I will make of thee a
great nation, and I will bless thee, and make
thy name great; and thou shalt be a bless-
ing.' And to this was added the assurance,
precious above every other to the inheritor
[ 43
Al*
ADAM AND HIS CHILDREN RETURN TO EDEN.
of faith, that of his line the Redeemer of the
world should come: 'In thee shall all families
of the earth be blessed.'
"—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 125.
4.
How inclusive was this promise
to Abraham? Rom. 4:13.
NOTE.—"This was 'the blessing of Abra-
ham' that was to be extended also to the
Gentiles through Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:14).
All who are Christ's are 'Abraham's seed, and
heirs according to the promise' (Gal. 3:29).
Since the kingdom of Christ will fill the
whole earth, Abraham and his seed are in-
deed, heirs of the world. The promise will
be literally fulfilled when the kingdoms of
this world are given to the people of the Most
High, and Christ will reign with His saints
forever and ever (Dan. 7
:27)."—The Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on
Rom. 4:13.
5.
By faith for what did Abraham
look? Heb. 11:8-10, 13-16.
NoTE.—Abraham knew that no man-made
paradise could satisfy his soul or fulfill the
promise. God had shown him a better world,
and he could never be wholly satisfied with
this one as it now is. He foresaw the cor-
ruption and violence of the cities of man,
and their eventual doom which was later
confirmed in the destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah.
The Holy City
6.
What did Jesus say about the
future home of His followers? John
14:1-3.
NoTE.—"These words were designed to
comfort the disciples. Jesus was leaving, but
He would not forget them. He would eagerly
anticipate His reunion with them in the
Father's house. In the interval He would
prepare for the glorious home-coming."-=
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary,
on John 14:2.
7.
In vision what did John see
"coming down from God out of
heaven"? Rev. 21:1-3.
NoTE.—Anciently the cities were measured
by circumference, that is, by giving the dis-
tance around the city. Reckoning eight fur-
longs to a mile, the New Jerusalem would be
1,500 miles in circumference. The city is
foursquare. Dividing this distance by four,
would give 375 miles to a side, which means
that the city is 375 miles square, with an
area of 140,625 square miles. The immensity
of the New Jerusalem is beyond present-day
comparison. The Greek word translated
"equal" suggests proportion, so the height,
breadth, and length of the wall are in pro-
portion.
New. Earth Conditions
8.
What inspired picture is given
of the earth in its restored state? Isa.
35:1, 2; Rev. 21:1; 22:3-5.
NOTE.—"While the earth was wrapped
in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode
safely in the Holy City. Upon those that
had part in the first resurrection, the sec-
ond death has no power. While God is to
the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His
people both a sun and a shield. Revelation
20:6; Psalm 84:11.
" 'I saw a new heaven and a new earth:
[ 44 ]
for the first heaven and the first earth were
passed away.' Revelation 21:1. The fire that
consumes the wicked purifies the earth.
Every trace of the curse is swept away."—
The Great Controversy,
pages 673, 674.
9.
What change will have been
wrought in man's physical life? Rev.
21:4; Isa. 33:24.
NOTE.--"Pain cannot exist in the atmos-
phere of heaven. There will be no more
tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourn-
ing. 'There shall be no more death, neither
sorrow, nor crying: . . . for the former
things are passed away.' The inhabitant
shall not say, I am sick: the people that
dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniq-
uity.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 676.
10.
What is said of animal life in
the new earth? What change will
come in the ferocious beasts? Isa.
11:6-9; 35:9.
11.
How will the redeemed spend
their time in the new earth? Isa.
65:21, 22.
NoTE.—"Life in the new earth will not be
an idle existence. Men will labor and they
will enjoy the fruits of their labors. Work
there will be a comfort and a source of end-
less delight. The saints will plan homes and
gardens and they will have the time and the
means to carry out their plans."—The
Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on
Isa. 65:22.
The Home of the Redeemed
12.
Can mortal man fully compre-
hend the glories of the saints' reward?
1 Cor. 2;9, 10.
NOTE.—"Human language is inadequate
to describe the reward of the righteous. It
will be known only to those who behold it.
No finite mind can comprehend the glory of
the Paradise of God."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 675.
13.
Who will inherit the earth
made new? Rev. 2:7; 22:14; Ps. 37:29.
NOTE.—"The great controversy is ended.
Sin and sinners are no more. The entire uni-
verse is clean. One pulse of harmony and
gladness beats through the vast creation.
From Him who created all, flow life and light
and gladness, throughout the realms of il-
limitable space. From the minutest atom to
the greatest world, all things, animate and
inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and
perfect joy, declare that God is love."—The
Great Controversy,
page 678.
1 45 J.
THREE LIONS
An aid in Sabbath school
instruction
Order from your church missionary
by R. R. Breitigam
secretary or your Book and Bible
House.
Teaching is an art, and the best methods of teaching are
essential in developing strong Sabbath school instruction.
Knowing that no finer teaching techniques have ever been
found than those used by Jesus Christ, Elder Breitigam has
made an intensive study of the way Jesus taught men about
the kingdom of heaven. Every teacher from the cradle roll
to the senior division will appreciate the inspirational mate-
rial Elder Breitigam has gathered from the Bible, the spirit
of prophecy, and his own many years of experience. There
are also excellent check questions for thought and discussion.
Price, $2.00.
Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain
View. California
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 24, 1960
How appropriate that we can give a special offering for Jesus on the
very eve, as it were, of the day that the world at large observes as the
birthday of our King. While the world celebrates the birth of Jesus by
giving gifts to one another, let us remember the great love gift that
He gave, for "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down
his life for his friends."
Here is our opportunity to show our love for Jesus by a gift that
will mean life for many of His "friends" in Inter-America. Our
hospitals around the world have meant life, physically and spiritually,
for many a sick and sin-sick soul. Through the overflow of the Thir-
teenth Sabbath Offering this quarter, we can help two hospitals, one in
Nicaragua and one in British Guiana, to pass on the gift of life.
Furthermore, by helping to build a boys' dormitory for the new
boarding academy in Puerto Rico, we can have a part in training
workers for the cause of God, that they, too, may pass on the word of
life to many more of those "friends" of Jesus for whom He laid down
His life.
Make your Christmas gift a love gift this year.
LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1961
The subject of the quarter's lessons is "Signs of the Times." The title of
the first lesson is "God's Warnings in the Past." The Memory Verse is Amos
3:7. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Isa. 45:21.
Ques. 2. Dan. 2:22, 28.
Ques. 3. Isa. 40:15-17.
Ques. 4. Dan. 4:17.
Ques. 5. Gen. 6:5-7.
Ques. 6. Gen. 19:24, 25.
Ques. 7. Dan. 5:30, 31.
Ques. 8. Gen. 6:3, 13, 14; 7:1-4.
Ques. 9. Gen. 19:1, 12-17.
Ques. 10. Jonah 3:1-4.
Ques. 11. Dan. 2:38 (last part), 39.
Ques. 12. Ezek. 26:1-5.
Ques. 13. 2 Peter 3:10.
Ques. 14. Rev. 14:6, 7.
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